Department of Health (Western Australia)

The Department of Health (Western Australia) is the government agency responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the public health system in Western Australia. Its primary objective is to ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and sustainable health services to the Western Australian community.

The Department's responsibilities encompass a broad range of areas, including:

• Policy Development and Planning: Creating and implementing health policies, strategies, and plans to address current and emerging health challenges and improve population health outcomes.
• Service Delivery and Funding: Overseeing the provision of public hospital services, community health services, and other healthcare programs, including allocating funding to various health service providers.
• Regulation and Standards: Setting and enforcing standards for healthcare facilities, health professionals, and health-related activities to ensure patient safety and quality of care.
• Public Health Initiatives: Developing and implementing public health programs to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent disease, and address health inequalities. This includes initiatives related to immunisation, tobacco control, and chronic disease management.
• Research and Innovation: Supporting health research and innovation to improve healthcare practices and outcomes.
• Emergency Management: Planning for and responding to health emergencies and disasters.
• Aboriginal Health: Working to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in Western Australia.

The Department of Health (Western Australia) works in partnership with a range of stakeholders, including hospitals, community health services, non-government organizations, and other government agencies, to achieve its goals. It is led by the Director General of Health, who is accountable to the Minister for Health. The Department plays a critical role in shaping the health and wellbeing of the Western Australian population.