Healthdirect Australia's Strategic Plan works towards a healthier Australia

Healthdirect Australia, the national government-owned virtual health information provider, launched its Strategic Plan 2021-24 - A healthier Australia this week.

Developed in consultation with government shareholders, consumers and stakeholders across the health sector, the Strategic Plan describes how Healthdirect Australia will progress existing and emerging health priorities to improve the health of Australians.

With over 100 million interactions with Australians each year through its 30+ health services and online tools, Healthdirect Australia seeks to improve health outcomes and literacy by providing more accessible health information, advice and referral to all Australians anywhere, anytime.

The Strategic Plan comes as Healthdirect Australia continues to play an integral role in Australia's COVID-19 response, providing 24/7 information on the latest health advice, travel restrictions and government policy via a variety of virtual health services, including the National Coronavirus Helpline and national online vaccine booking system.

The Strategic Plan builds on this urgent and important work, supporting Australia's move to more virtual care as part of health service delivery, says Chair of Healthdirect Australia's Board of Directors, Ms Jane Muirsmith.

"I am pleased to present our vision of achieving a healthier Australia, where people actively manage and improve their health by accessing trusted information and virtual services, no matter where they live or when they need help.

"Our Strategic Plan sets five priorities for the next three years; strengthening our focus on equitable access for consumers, delivering value to governments, and connecting to the health and aged care systems. We are also focused on enhancing our operational strength and capability as a rapid response partner for governments," says Ms Muirsmith.

These priorities were developed in response to key areas of the health system where Healthdirect Australia will have the greatest impact over next three years:

• Understanding and meeting the needs of the increasingly digital consumer
• Supporting government health priorities particularly in the areas of rural and remote healthcare and vulnerable communities
• Enabling aged care reform
• Playing a crucial role in the digital health ecosystem
• Optimising opportunities to reduce environmental impact of health service provision

"Healthdirect Australia is well placed to respond to these strategic drivers, so the focus of our Plan is to leverage the investment in Healthdirect Australia to unlock further value to support government priorities," concludes Ms Muirsmith.