Victorian Department of Health

Introducing the Criteria Led Discharge (CLD) Toolkit, developed with Safer Care Victoria to transform discharge practices and elevate patient care. This toolkit provides clear checklists, criteria, and evidence-based strategies to help healthcare teams streamline the discharge process—so patients can go home at the right time, with the right support. The CLD process ensures patients are discharged based on clinical criteria, promoting timely return to their home while meeting all their needs. This structured approach enhances patient safety and empowers healthcare providers to deliver effective care. By leveraging the CLD Toolkit, healthcare teams—including nurses, doctors, and administrators—can ensure smoother transitions for patients and optimise workflows. Access the toolkit now to discover how it can assist in your discharge planning and improve patient outcomes: https://lnkd.in/geGnR7vs

We’re proud to announce the recipients of the Community Pharmacotherapy Grants 2024-2027, expanding access to opioid dependence treatment. Over the next 3 years, this initiative will fund 15 community health services across regional and metropolitan areas. This will improve access to essential medications such as methadone and buprenorphine for the approximately 15,000 Victorians who rely on them daily. Congratulations to the successful applicants: - Ballarat Community Health - Barwon Health - Bendigo Community Health Services - DPV Health - Echuca Regional Health - Gateway Health - People living well - Gippsland Lakes Complete Health - Goulburn Valley Health - Grampians Community Health - Latrobe Community Health Service - Monash Health - Peninsula Health - South West Healthcare - Western Health - Your Community Health The program is a crucial part of the Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug-related harms, save lives and provide more Victorians with the care they need. To learn more about the Community Health Pharmacotherapy Grants 2024-2027 visit, https://lnkd.in/gq3NF2gt #HarmReduction

Cameron and Daniel’s journey into mental health started with a leap of faith. Neither had planned a career in healthcare—but through the Aboriginal Mental Health Traineeship, they found purpose, community, and a way to make a real impact. The three-year Bachelor of Mental Health program gave them both the skills and confidence to work in clinical settings, gaining hands-on experience while studying. But more than that, it gave them the opportunity to support their communities in a way that truly matters. “We need more of our mob in the system—people who understand the culture, the struggles, and the strengths. That’s how we make real change.” – Daniel. Today, Daniel leads a team of psychologists and social workers, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive culturally safe mental health care. Cameron has stepped into a clinical role, using his training and lived experience to deliver highly specialised care. Their stories are proof that programs like this don’t just build careers—they create pathways to healing, understanding, and better health outcomes for First Nations communities. 📽️ Watch their journey and learn how this traineeship is changing lives. #AboriginalHealth #CloseTheGap #IndigenousLeadership #MentalHealth #FirstNationsWellbeing

#InternationalWomensDay has been running for over 100 years, with women fighting for equality – but many women's health issues are still fighting to be seen. 100 years ago, back in 1925, endometriosis was poorly understood, often misdiagnosed as "hysteria," or dismissed as a normal part of being a woman. Today, we've made progress – but too many women are still waiting years for answers to common conditions. Better healthcare for women means better lives – and gender equality can't be achieved without it. We're investing in women's health services, expanding access to care, and listening to women's voices to create a healthier, fairer future. Let's celebrate progress – and keep pushing for women's health to be a priority, not an afterthought. #WomensHealth

This week we gathered at our All-Staff Forum to celebrate International Women’s Day, focusing on greater health choices for women in Victoria. It was also an opportunity to hear from our new Secretary, Jenny Atta. She highlighted Victoria’s world-leading approach to women’s health, the department’s vital role in connecting communities to services, and the deep commitment of our staff to making Victorians the healthiest people in the world. We were privileged to hear from guest speakers Carolyn Mogharbel, Manager of 1800 My Options, Cathy Halmarick, Midwife/Sexual & Reproductive Health Nurse Practitioner, Peninsula Health and Robyn Holmes – Sexual & Reproductive Health NP Candidate, along with Maria Loupetis, Registered Nurse and Clinical Lead at the Virtual Women’s Health Clinic, and Lily Grace, Nurse, both from EACH. They all provided valuable insights into their services and the vital role they play in supporting women’s health. Our speakers shared innovative and inspiring examples of how we are expanding choices and ensuring confidentiality for women in reproductive health and pregnancy options, including termination. The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 : Accelerate Action, reflects our commitment to driving meaningful change – not just today, but throughout the year and beyond.

There are over 30 pill testing programs worldwide – from Europe and North America to New Zealand and Australia. Now Victoria has launched our own pill testing service making an appearance at selected festivals this season. Pill testing, also known as drug checking, is a free, confidential and anonymous service is delivered by Youth Support + Advocacy Service, The Loop Australia, and Harm Reduction Victoria. It can check the makeup of most ⚪ pills, 💊 capsules, 💭 powders, 💎 crystals and 💧 liquids – helping users understand the true contents of their drugs and the potential risks. Empowered by the knowledge of what’s really in their substances, people can make more informed and safer choices, whether that means lowering their dosage or not taking them at all. But it’s more than just testing, the service provides a safe, non-judgmental space for open conversations about ways to reduce risks, including advice on how the drug may interact with prescription medications or pre-existing health conditions. The service also plays a crucial role in Victoria’s public health warning system, alerting the community to dangerous substances if they are detected. 🚨 To learn more about Victoria’s pill testing service, visit: https://lnkd.in/gBSugzfd #HarmReduction #PillTestingVic #SaferChoices

We are delighted to welcome Jenny Atta to the Victorian Department of Health as our new Secretary. Jenny brings enormous experience as a leader of the public sector having been the Secretary of the Department of Education for the past six years, and holding previous senior roles in the Department of Treasury and Finance and the former Department of Human Services. She was awarded a Public Service Medal in June 2021 and is a Victorian Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration. Under Jenny’s leadership, we look forward to continuing our progress towards our vision of Victorians being the healthiest people in the world. We would like to thank Professor Euan Wallace AM for his enormous dedication and contributions in the role of Secretary since November 2020, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

To help train and retain more doctors in rural communities, Victoria is trialling a Single Employer Model, allowing rural generalist trainees to be employed by one health service while completing primary care training placements. Trainees on the trial will retain their salary with the health service, as well as employment benefits like long service and parental leave. This month, 15 full-time equivalent trainees started the trial across Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Grampians Health and Mildura Base Public Hospital. The Victorian Rural Generalist Program is leading this trial, providing career support and training pathways to build a strong rural generalist workforce. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gzPcEWcN #RuralHealth #HealthcareWorkforce

Today, on Mental Health Nurses’ Day, we recognise the extraordinary compassion, skill, and dedication of mental health nurses across Victoria. These highly trained professionals do more than provide care—they advocate, listen, and stand beside people in their most vulnerable moments. As Victoria’s Chief Mental Health Nurse, Anna Love knows firsthand the impact of this work: “We are there in the moments of crisis and offer hope. It’s certainly not always easy, but the rewards of knowing you have made a difference in supporting a person’s recovery – makes it all worth it”. Mental health nurses play a critical role in shaping our healthcare system. That’s why in 2025, we continue to invest in the profession—because when we support our mental health workforce, we ensure all Victorians can access the care they need. Join us in celebrating and thanking mental health nurses today. #MentalHealthNursesDay #ThankYouNurses #HumansOfHealth

"I was going through really bad anxiety and depression. Pretty much locked in my room, scared to come out, afraid to talk to anyone. I never made contact with anybody. I felt like nobody would understand." For Angela isolation was a weight she carried daily. The world outside her room felt distant and impossible to reach. Angela was introduced to the Local Connections program through her psychologist. Local Connections is a social-prescribing initiative supports people to engage in community-based activities. And for the first time, she started to feel some sense of hope. She met Tam, a link worker, who saw her struggles, listened, and gently helped her take steps toward reconnection. "Never in a million years did I dream I'd be sitting here, talking to you about mental health and what I'm going through." Local Connections became Angela’s bridge out of isolation. It wasn’t about rushing or pretending everything was fine—it was about finding a safe space to rebuild trust, one conversation at a time. Now, Angela is sharing her story of the Local Connections initiative. To learn more about Local Connections visit: https://lnkd.in/g5We8_pD