Statewide Paediatric Services Plan

The Objective

To develop a Victorian paediatric services plan to enable a statewide strategic response to paediatric service demands, service quality, service access, and service capability now and in the future. 

Our Approach

The project involved a horizon scan to identify exemplar models of practice supported by a literature review of best practices. Demographic and social determinants of health and rates of disease burden for children and young people across Victoria were analysed.


Service utilisation trends were analysed across admitted acute, subacute, ED and specialist clinic services for paediatric patients. The analysis included historical trend analysis, comparisons of regional and sub-regional utilisation, self-sufficiency, and projections of future demand.

A comprehensive stakeholder engagement was undertaken across rural and metropolitan health services with Safer Care Victoria, the Victorian Department of Health and the Victorian Paediatric Clinical Network.


Strategic planning options to address systems gaps and challenges were reviewed and discussed as part of a co-design process with the Clinical Network and Steering Committee.

The Outcomes

The project identified key priorities for: 
(i) building service capacity and capability;
(ii) improving transition and coordination of care; and
(iii) achieving timely and equitable access to care.