HealthSMART
In 2003 the Department of Human Services (DHS) established the Office of Health Information Systems (OHIS) to deliver the HealthSMART program. The program was approved by the Victorian Government to implement Victoria's Whole-of-Health Information and Communication Technology Strategic Plan 2003-2007.
HealthSMART is currently a six year $323 million technology program operating across the Victorian Public Health System (VPHS) and due for completion in June 2009. The program is large and complex, involving health services, rural information and communication technology alliances and community based health providers across the state. It is the most far-reaching ICT change program ever undertaken by the VPHS.
The HealthSMART program was funded by reallocation of previously approved DHS funds ($112million), new funds ($138.5 million) and agency contributions (equivalent to $72.9 million). Additional funds of $34.8 million has recently been allocated, and further funds of $109 million was allocated in the Victorian State Budget for 2008 2009.
The program aims to replace obsolete and unsupported applications in health care agencies with capable, industry-standard products. It plans to introduce new systems able to support the transformation of health care. At the same time, agency ICT infrastructure will be refreshed and developed.
Through the HealthSMART program and the strategic use of ICT DHS aims to:
- improve health care services and outcomes for the public
- make the provision of health care more efficient
- manage available resources better
- attract, retain and support a highly skilled health workforce