BOARD CHAIR AND CEO REPORT
It is with much pleasure that we present you with an account of our operations over the past 12 months as we take the opportunity to reflect on our achievements , our challenges and our aspirations for our future .
The 2022 -23 Merri Health Annual Report is themed ‘ Better health through partnerships and prevention ’. It demonstrates our commitment to partnering in the development of innovative solutions for the provision of safe , quality health and social care that transpires into real outcomes for individuals , families , and communities .
Whilst providing care and support to our diverse communities is our main purpose and promise , we are also acutely aware of our role and responsibility in health prevention . Community health is well placed to educate and support communities to stay and remain healthy !
Excellence in care
This report provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our work and its impact as we deliver positive health and wellbeing outcomes for our community , and deliver on the vision and purpose of Merri Health .
Throughout the following pages you will have the opportunity to read about Merri ’ s service development in response to service gaps and emerging needs .
Over the last 12 months we : provided 266,920 service instances
supported 17,696 carers across Victoria
1,000 children received dental care through our Smile Squad
grew our Stepped Care for Older Adults mental health service and saw 117 new client referrals
launched a new School Ties program supporting children whose early primary years have been interrupted by COVID-19
We were excited to present the success and opportunities of our Chronic Pain Service to the Victorian Minister for Health in May when she visited our Coburg site . The Minister heard directly from clients about their improved health journeys . The service has reduced presentations to the acute sector and 83 % of patients have reported improvement .
The reform environment continues to be rapid and evolving and we continue to prepare , review and respond . Aged care and mental health preparedness continues to be our priority .
Investment in our facilities is also a focus . In the last year we undertook a complete refurbishment of our dental services in Brunswick to ensure quality and safe care , and to provide a better client experience .
Community and consumer engagement
This year we :
launched our first Merri-wide Consumer Advisory Committee
21 % increase in community and consumer engagement activities reported across the organisation
supported 33 consumer-led community events with 686 participants in the Hello , Merri-bek ! Party Program to celebrate culture and diversity
Partnerships
We continue to develop and foster positive and collaborative partnerships with a broad range of key stakeholders to support positive health , social and community outcomes .
This year we engaged with over 140 diverse partners . We also joined all 24 independent registered community health organisations to launch the Community Health First initiative , and highlight the significant value and contribution of community health to support Victoria ’ s healthcare system .
Prevention
Health sustainability amid finite resources is fast becoming a pivotal point for governments and funders and there is ever increasing recognition that prevention is better than cure . Health economics continues to challenge where investment is best placed .
We are proud of the significant role we play in supporting , connecting and educating communities . Despite many challenges Merri Health has been able to identify and foster opportunities , resulting in growth in service offerings , increased access for individuals and communities , and greater geographical reach .
We have taken a proactive approach to advocating for investment in prevention funding and health promotion ; and have a dedicated focus on measuring the impact of our work and the real outcomes experienced by our clients . This is evidenced by the establishment of our vibrant and robust Research and Evaluation Committee .
Governance
We would like to acknowledge the contribution of Roxanne Adams who concluded her service on the Board of Merri Health as a Director in December 2022 , including Chair of the Clinical Governance Board Sub-Committee for 12 months .
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