Primary Health Branch
Director: Janet Laverick
Enquiries: Tel (61 3) 9096 7021
The vision for the Primary Health Branch is to improve the health and wellbeing of Victorians, particularly those with or at risk of poorest health status, by developing strong, effective and modern primary health care services as part of Victoria’s health care system. This vision is consistent with the Victorian Government’s ‘Growing Victoria Together’ agenda and the Department of Human Services’ mission and objectives.
Primary health services help reduce the likelihood of serious illness and reduce the need for hospital and specialist medical services.
The Primary Health Branch is responsible for:
- State funded primary and community health services including Community Health, Dental Health, Women’s Health and Health Promotion.
- Liaison with the Commonwealth Government and General Practice to develop a coordinated and effective primary health care system.
- Strategies that improve the integration of the Primary Health Care sector, such as the Primary Care Partnership Strategy, and improve the interface between the Primary Health Care sector and the Acute Health Care sector – such as working closely with the Hospital Admission Risk Program.
- Developing the capacity of the primary health sector to respond to chronic disease.
- Facilitating, together with Metro Health & Aged Care Services, Care in your community, the state wide ambulatory care framework.
See Primary & Community Health Topics on Victorian Government Health Information site for more information.
Primary Health Branch Policy and Funding Guidelines 2006–07 to 2008–09 (2008-09 update)
Primary Health newsletter
The Primary Health newsletter contains up to date information about important issues and activities within the Primary Health Branch.
Primary Health Funding Approach
The Primary Health Funding Approach is the model used to fund service delivery organisations to provide allied health, counselling, nursing and health promotion services. From July 2007 the Primary Health Funding Approach will be revised.
Primary Health Report
Provides a snapshot of the achievements of the Primary Health Branch. The Primary Health Report is available from the Community Health website.