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2. Collaborate with colleagues

9. Structure and function of Australia’s health system

Australia’s health system is structured into primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare.

Primary healthcare

Is usually a client’s first point of contact with the health system and includes the diagnosis and management of health conditions, long term care, health promotion and prevention services.

Primary healthcare services are usually located in the community and are the pathway or the point of coordination between other health services.

Primary healthcare is provided by:

  • General medical practices
  • Community health centres
  • Community nursing
  • Allied health professionals and assistants
  • Community pharmacies
  • Oral health and dentist
  • Mental health services
  • Maternal and child health services
  • Drug, alcohol, sexual and reproductive health services
Secondary healthcare

Is provided by a health professional, such as a medical specialist, that is not the first point of contact a client has with the health service. Secondary care can be provided in a hospital or the community.

Tertiary healthcare

Is specialised healthcare provided in a hospital setting and includes complex medical or surgical procedures, and emergency care.

The function of Australia’s healthcare service is to provide quality, safe and affordable health care for the population to restore or maintain health.

The function of a primary healthcare service is to respond to the health needs of the community “in the delivery of state-funded, population-focused, and community-based health services.”
Reference: Victorian Department of Health | Primary care, accessed 7/11/2024

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