The Director of The Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (APHCRI) based at ANU has welcomed the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission’s final report and its recommendations.
APHCRI Director Robert Wells said that in particular, APHCRI supports strengthening primary health care in Australia as the cornerstone of a more effective health care system.
“We have good international evidence that shows how the Australian primary health care system could be more effective and efficient,” APHCRI director Robert Wells said.
“The future of primary health care in Australia needs to be built on multi-disciplinary teamwork where nurses and allied health professionals have a much stronger role in treatment and prevention.
“APHCRI looks forward to contributing to the evidence base for a strong patient-centered primary health care system.”
Mr Wells added that he supported the three major areas that the NHHRC report focused on: prevention and primary care; a well trained and flexible workforce; and a reflective system with attention to research evidence as the basis for decision making and evaluation of policies over time.
“We also welcome that the whole thrust of the report recommends more accountability for the performance of the health system,” he said.
