Context 

As our world changes, so too do our challenges. The health and wellbeing of our communities is impacted by a rapidly expanding environment, new technologies, economic shifts and changes in health requirements. Our patients’ health needs are becoming more complex. At the same time people have increased expectations around timely access to high-quality care where, and how it best suits their needs. The onset of COVID-19 in 2020 demonstrated the volatility of the health setting and the need for healthcare services to anticipate and respond to disruption. 

We believe that our future requires an investment in our capability to encourage new innovations, inspire new ways of working and inform and build on our new models of care. Our current environment also provides new opportunities. Advances in medical and digital technology and access to accurate and timely data are transforming healthcare. Many people now use technology to receive, communicate and support their care. 

We have strengthened our relationships with our partners and each other to deliver care for those who need it most. We also continue to grow our network of hospitals, providing a broader system of facilities and services. This will enable access and let us focus on where and how care is delivered. We deliver this strategy together The collective ‘we’ emphasises our connection within and beyond Western Health and our unwavering commitment to working in true partnership with our patients, people and communities. 

Strategic Framework 

We will be guided by a Strategic Framework that provides a clear direction in dynamic times, and allows us the flexibility to face challenges and take opportunities as they arise. 

We have plotted a three year course for Key Initiatives that will evolve according to the expectation, need and context of the time. Our five Strategic Directions will endure as guiding beacons well beyond this period. Our four Guiding Principles represent, as part of the Framework, all that Western Health is and aspires to be: 

Simple — we will take a straightforward approach, engage people in a way and language that is easy to understand and down to earth

Sustainable — we are resilient and adaptive, use our resources responsibly and contribute to long-term benefits for our community and environment

Connected — we collaborate, connect patients to the right services, face-to-face and virtually, and harness the connection we have with our community and each other. 

Innovative — we are curious, champion new ways of working and lead by doing. 

Western Health's Strategic Plan 2021-2023​ is now available in PDF version and also online and interactive https://strategicdirection.wh.org.au/

Your feedback is important

You can email us your feedback on the Strategic Plan at [email protected].