HEALTH BUDGET

44 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (1 June 2010). How does the State Government expect to achieve $90 million in savings (as outlined in the 2007-08 Budget) from service delivery changes as a result of health reform and which programs and services will be reduced to meet the required savings targets?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Southern Suburbs, Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts): I am advised:

The Health Portfolio was required to meet savings, as part of the 2007-08 Budget of $89.9 million over the three years 2008-09 to 2010-11, relating to service delivery changes to be derived through reforms of the health system.

South Australia's Health Care Plan 2007-2016 promotes increased investment in primary health care and the development of primary health care networks resulting in a greater connection between general practitioners and other parts of the health system. Cost efficiencies have been projected by SA Health in this area, as the cost of delivering out-of-hospital services in the form of hospital avoidance packages and via other primary health care services, such as the investment in GP Plus Health Care Centres are lower than the cost of providing services in an acute hospital setting.

The introduction of new initiatives to assist in the long term management of people with chronic disease and the implementation of a number of healthy lifestyle programs will over time assist in keeping people healthy and reducing the burden on the hospital system. Consistent with above, cost efficiencies are anticipated from investing in these early intervention and prevention programs.

In 2010-11, the Department of Health will continue to work with health regions to identify and implement strategies to transition the provision of services towards prevention and out-of-hospital strategies. These efforts will be further enhanced with the anticipated completion of the Elizabeth and Marion GP Plus Health Care Centres in late 2010, and the Noarlunga and Modbury GP Plus Super Clinics in stages starting in late 2010.