Long-term strategy for a leading rural health service

Australia's largest regional health service provider required a five-year strategic plan to guide a critical phase in its development and to take account of the longer term health and well-being implications (a 2020 perspective per se). Broad stakeholder support underpinned by rigorous data analysis was essential to a successful implementation across 21 sites, servicing 450,000 people, and encompassing the full range of health services - from emergency and acute to mental heath, primary care, community services, aged care and subacute and rehabilitation.

Nous worked closely with the organisation’s board and executive in the development of the plan. Nous consulted with key stakeholders, and undertook a detailed review and analysis of critical data to frame an ‘emerging issues’ paper, to scope alternative strategic options and to finally produce the strategic plan.

The Board and executive agreed to reorientate the direction of the health service with a focus on wellness and regional leadership. This direction and the supporting actions and measures of success clearly position this health service as Australia's leading regional health service; a health service that truly can build a healthier community.