Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Statements on tabled papers and petitions

Austin Health

Report 2023–24

Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (17:18): I rise to speak on the Austin Health annual report 2023–24, a report that is more than a collation of clinical activities and financial data. It is in fact a compelling reflection of how a publicly funded health service underpinned by the principles of equity, innovation and care can transform lives and strengthen communities. As I noted in the last sitting week while I spoke about the Northern Health annual report, annual reports are too often reduced to mere numbers – things like presentations, bed counts and budgets. However, behind every statistic is a story – a patient reassured, a life saved, a family supported and a community made healthier and more secure. Behind those stories are public health professionals, some of whom I got to meet in my recent visit to the Austin Hospital and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre. The skill and dedication that were on display during my visit are matched by the enduring support of the Allan Labor government, which understands that what really matters is universal, accessible, high-quality health care.

At the heart of Austin Health stands the Austin Hospital, which is one of our state’s most important institutions and a cornerstone of care for Melbourne’s north-east. It boasts one of the busiest emergency departments in our state. With more than 550 beds, including a 29-bed intensive care unit and 78 dedicated mental health beds, Austin Health continues to deliver complex specialist care across a broad range of medical disciplines. Its service is marked not only by its scale but also by the humanity that goes along with it. As I said, its emergency department is one of the largest. It served almost 87,000 Victorians last year, and it is an anchor point for people in moments of crisis. However, Austin Health understands that it is not enough to simply meet that growing demand. It must also meet people where they are, and with dignity. That is why the Allan Labor government has invested $275 million to expand the emergency department at the Austin Hospital. This investment is not just an upgrade in infrastructure but a reaffirmation of values. With 29 additional treatment spaces, a purpose-built paediatric zone and improved clinical areas, this project will enable the ED to treat 30,000 more patients each year. Importantly, the design includes culturally safe spaces enriched with Aboriginal artwork to foster a sense of healing and cultural respect for our First Nations people. That is what progressive health care looks like – not just faster care, but fairer care and care underpinned by humanity.

The Olivia Newton-John cancer and wellness centre remains a national leader in integrated cancer care. With more than 200 clinical trials and internationally recognised expertise in immunotherapy and precision medicine, the centre exemplifies the best of modern oncology. Yet what truly sets it apart is its holistic approach to care. Its wellness programs, many supported through community initiatives like Olivia’s Walk for Wellness, ensure that patients receive not only medical treatment but emotional, psychological and spiritual support when they need it, because we know that when people are at their most vulnerable, care must be complete.

The report also highlights how Austin Health is embracing digital transformation to improve safety and responsiveness. Through the Victorian Health Incident Management System automation project, more than 90 per cent of Victorian health services now report clinical incidents in real time. The system accelerates intervention, reduces harm and makes care safer. The implementation of the Safewards model, a best-practice framework to reduce conflict in acute settings, has led to a 20 per cent reduction in restraint use and has strengthened the trust between patients and healthcare workers.

I had the privilege of visiting Austin Health recently and seeing firsthand one of the most forward-thinking initiatives in Victorian health care, which is the virtual emergency department. The virtual ED allows patients to speak to a nurse or medical practitioner from the safety and comfort of their own home. It is quick, accessible and changing the way we think about urgent care. I am proud to say that the Allan Labor government has recognised its success and potential. As part of the 2025–26 Victorian budget Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas have announced a $437 million investment to permanently expand the virtual ED. This will nearly triple its capacity, enabling more than 1750 Victorians to access free 24/7 urgent care by 2028–29.

Finally, the report shines a light on Austin Health’s pioneering work in virtual wards. The Hospital in the Home virtual care teams are now managing Victoria’s first cardiac and haematology wards. Using wearable monitoring devices, patients can receive hospital-level care in their homes, supported by expert clinicians. More than 350 patients have already benefited from these services. It is a fantastic report, and I was very pleased and proud to be able to attend the hospital to see all of these fantastic initiatives and see them so well funded and supported by this government. I commend this report to the Council and to all Victorians who believe in the enduring value of a strong, accessible and world-class public health system.