Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association

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The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), founded in 1946, is the representative body for the public hospital sector in Australia. [1] It is one of 23 bodies funded from the government's Health Peaks and Advisory Bodies Program. [2]

The Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research is its research arm. [3] Alison Verhoeven is the Chief Executive. [4]

The members of the association are all major health service providers, including state health departments, local hospital networks, public hospitals, community health services, primary health networks, primary healthcare providers, aged care providers, universities, individual health professionals, and academics. [5] The association is considered an independent, national voice for universal high-quality healthcare, benefiting the entire Australian community.[ citation needed ]

It demanded more effective leadership of the healthcare sector and better-coordinated government reform initiatives in May 2019. In particular it demanded reversal of the “massive” cuts to adult public dental services and fluoridation of the water supply. The association calls for an independent national health authority, which is distinct from the existing state and territory health departments and could tackle entrenched problems and support integrated care. [6]

In June 2019 it denied claims by Scott Morrison that the admission of refugees would disadvantage Australians in their access to hospital care. [7]

It makes an annual award, the Sidney Sax medal, to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution in the field of health services policy, organization, delivery and research. [8]

It publishes a monthly peer-reviewed journal, the Australian Health Review. [9]

In December 2023, the AHHA reviewed the National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA) Mid-term Review Final Report, which covered specific areas like elective surgery wait-lists, Medicare improvements, and support for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). AHHA acknowledged the report's recommendations for digital health, alternative funding models, and patient-centric care pathways. These recommendations are part of a broader strategy to advance healthcare in Australia. AHHA recommends that Health Ministers consider these proposals to enhance the national healthcare system. [10]

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References

  1. ↑ "Health insurers battle public hospitals over $1b a year cash grab". Sydney Morning Herald. 11 March 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  2. ↑ "Hunt rejects fund plea by peak health groups". Australian. 19 February 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  3. ↑ Pryor, Sally (9 October 2018). "'Father of Medicare' John Deeble dead at 87". Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 14 October 2018– via Canberra Times.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  4. ↑ "Private patients treated faster in public hospitals than public patients, data show". Guardian. 17 May 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  5. ↑ "Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association". Australian Health Journal. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  6. ↑ "AHHA: More coordinated health reform needed now". Healthcare IT. 30 May 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  7. ↑ "The Government says Australians will lose out on medical help if refugees are brought here for treatment. Is that correct?". ABC News. 14 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  8. ↑ "Hornsby Shire Council acknowledges invaluable contribution of local award-winning Geriatrician Professor Susan Kurrle". Mirage News. 13 October 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  9. ↑ "How digital health helped shape Australia's COVID-19 response". Get the Word Out. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  10. ↑ "Health reform heading in the right direction". Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association. 2023-12-08.
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