South Australian Numbered Acts

HEALTH CARE ACT 2008 (NO 3 OF 2008) - SECT 5

5—Principles

The following principles are to be applied in connection with the operation and administration of this Act:

            (a)         the protection of the public and the interests of people in need of care related to their health should be the highest priorities in the provision of health services;

            (b)         Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders should be recognised as having a special heritage and the health system should, in interacting with Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, support values that respect their historical and contemporary cultures;

            (c)         the planning and provision of health services should take into account the situation and needs of people who live or work in the country or regional areas of the State, including through the support of health professionals who provide services in those areas;

            (d)         support should be given to encouraging responsibility at community and individual levels for the promotion and development of healthy communities and individuals, and to ensure that people are able to make informed decisions about their health;

            (e)         health services or programs should be accessible on a State-wide or community basis;

            (f)         health services should be provided as part of an integrated system—

                  (i)         that includes all aspects of health promotion and disease, illness and injury prevention so as to maximise community health and well-being; and

                  (ii)         that supports services or programs designed to promote early intervention in detecting and responding to disease, illness or injury; and

                  (iii)         that provides for the effective and safe management and treatment of disease, illness or injury, including through self-management of chronic or other diseases; and

                  (iv)         that supports improved health outcomes for communities with particular health needs; and

                  (v)         that promotes a whole of Government approach to advance and improve health status within the community; and

                  (vi)         that seeks to reduce in-patient hospitalisation and dependence on emergency and out-patient services within hospitals; and

                  (vii)         that promotes the efficient and economic provision of services;

            (g)         health services should meet the highest levels of quality and safety;

            (h)         service providers should seek to engage with the community in the planning and provision of health services, including through the encouragement or involvement of volunteers;

                  (i)         recognition should be given to the fact that there is a significant public benefit in having a single emergency ambulance service that provides an efficient use of assets, a highly-responsive service, and high levels of integration with other health services provided within the public health system.