Australian Healthcare System

“Medicare” is the government funded public heath service and the hospitals and clinics that operate under this banner are generally well funded, equipped and have modern facilities. The public health system is free to most Australians although there is an option to have greater choice over which specialist and appointment slot you want if you have private health insurance.

Public hospitals have invested heavily in state of the art communication systems, which emphasise the use of technology to facilitate healthcare delivery at the bedside. Online x-rays /pathology reports are usual practice, as is same day reporting on most standard tests. Hospitals utilise intra-net networks to ensure good communication between departments and disciplines and much of the dispensing of medication can be dealt with in this way too.

The structure of each department allows the Multi Disciplinary Team to work together to ensure best practice within the department while respecting each person’s right to work as an autonomous practitioner. There is an emphasis on independent practice and continuous professional development and in-house teaching programs and a study leave allowance supports this.

The atmosphere in Australian hospitals is almost universally “relaxed” and friendly with very few “uniforms” for any staff member that would impose the hierarchy often felt in other countries.