Government plan for national health system

The Federal Government today gave a greater insight into its planned health reforms with Prime Minister Rudd addressing the Press Club and a statement from Health Minister Roxon.
Ms Roxon said materials detailing the health reform announcement Building Australia's Future: Better Hospitals are now available.
She said that over the coming weeks and months the Government will announce additional reforms that will build on the existing investments and the structural reforms outlined in the document.
The reforms include:

• public hospitals - especially public hospital emergency departments and access to elective surgery;
• GP and primary health care - improving coordination of GP and other kinds of health care for people with chronic illness;
• the health workforce - ensure there are sufficient numbers of well-trained doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to meet the growing demand for health services;
• e-health - take further steps towards the introduction of a personally controlled electronic health record for all Australians.

Over time, the Government will build on existing investments in prevention, aged care, dental health and mental health.
Ms Roxon said: "Additional funding directed to the Government's reforms will be provided consistent with the Commonwealth Government's fiscal rules, including holding spending to 2% in real terms".