Learning from past lessons while looking to the future
What a difference two weeks can make. Since my last column, Victoria has turned an important corner in tackling the COVID-19 virus and there is a renewed confidence that we can return to some level of normality.
With five days of ‘double doughnuts’ – that’s to say, no new COVID cases and no deaths – during the past week, we are all hopeful further restrictions can be lifted next week. While we must remain vigilant and maintain good infection control standards – washing hands, physical distancing and importantly looking out for our own and others mental health and wellbeing standards – it’s as though a fog has also lifted allowing us to again look ahead.
Strategic Directions 2020-2023
Forward planning has never been so important. If we have learnt anything from this year, it is never to assume the world won’t change around us. And, it was with this in mind, that Western Victoria PHN developed its next Strategic Directions document for charting our path from 2020 to 2023.
Under the overarching aim to improve the health outcomes and health care experience of the people of western Victoria, the Directions document details how as an organisation we can deliver this in an environment of change while continuing to work with our primary providers and our communities. I invite you to read through the Strategic Directions and keep a lookout for more opportunities to be involved in our planning and development.
Our Annual Report 2020 is now also available with an overview of the busy 12 months that were 2019-2020.
NAIDOC Week
A reminder that NAIDOC Week begins this Sunday (8 November) providing another chance for all of us to reflect on how we can work toward a more inclusive and caring future. This year, the week will focus on the theme of Always Was, Always Will Be in recognition that First Nations people have occupied and cared for our continent for over 65,000 years. We all need to better understand this long history and connection to country while we plan our shared pathway. I encourage you to get involved in NAIDOC activities.
Thank you and welcome
And, finally, I wish to thank our outgoing board members Jim Elvey and Dr Amir Rahimi while welcoming new director Catherine Evans and welcoming back to the board Marie Aitken following our AGM last week.
Rowena Clift
Chief Executive Officer