Today, Northern Health launched a new Strategic Plan for 2025-29, reflecting our shared vision, values and strategic directions for the next five years.

The new plan has refreshed the vision, maintained Northern Health’s values of Safe, Kind, Together, and set the six strategic directions to guide the health service through the coming years.

In a process that began in February 2024, the plan was developed from workshops and consultations with our staff, our partners and the community, with over 1,000 voices sharing ideas and feedback.

“Thanks to everyone who participated in consultations and workshops over the past nine months, particularly Laura Hughes, Ren Cazar and Zahra Ogden who generously shared their skills and expertise with the Planning Team to make the process a success,” said Helena Maher, Manager, Planning.

Northern Health has undergone much change during this time. The State Government’s Health Services Plan was released, outlining a future direction which involved the development of Local Health Service Networks. Siva Sivarajah, former Chief Executive, departed Northern Health to lead Hospitals Victoria, a new agency within the Department of Health. And finally, a new Chief Executive, Debra Bourne was appointed. These developments would have major implications for Northern Health’s future. In response, the six new strategic directions maintain our role as the leading health care provider for our growing region, while engaging with the opportunities to strengthen care for our community.

In setting the new strategy, Debra Bourne, our new Chief Executive, the Board and Executive set a path for growth and innovation while remaining clear that Northern Health’s values would continue to provide the touchstone for everything we do.

“Our values are the foundation for our culture of care, teamwork and collaboration at Northern Health,” said Debra Bourne, Chief Executive, who launched the plan at The Window today.

“Integral to this is our commitment to staff wellbeing – when staff feel valued and supported, we can achieve remarkable outcomes for our community.”

Northern Health’s vision for the next five years is creating a healthier future by working together, innovating and delivering great care.

“Our vision captures the aspirations of staff of becoming leaders in healthcare and innovation for our community, drawing on the amazing culture and collaboration and agility here at Northern Health,” said Helena Maher.

Over the next few weeks, staff will have the opportunity to hear more about the new Strategic Plan, including presentations on results from the 2024 People Matters Survey. Together with the Planning Team, Debra Bourne and Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture, will visit sites across Northern Health to talk with staff about the shared vision, values and strategic directions for the coming years.

The schedule of site visits, starting on Tuesday, 4 March, can be found on the Intranet.

For more information, please contact Helena Maher at helena.maher@nh.org.au.