Medibank Health Solutions and St Luke's hospital are proud to announce the launch of the Australian Defence Force "ADF ward" at the Potts Point-based hospital. The dedicated ward will provide vital healthcare services to Australia's servicemen and women, as part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) healthcare system delivered by Medibank.
The ward was developed after the ADF's Joint Health Command (JHC) identified the need for a ward to accommodate servicemen and women, in particular Navy personnel, with low acuity (non-critical) conditions who were unable to be accommodated in ADF housing on base. Medibank Health Solutions commenced a scoping and procurement process and St Luke's was awarded the contract.
Mr Julian Beaumont, Chairman of the St Luke's Board, said, "We are delighted to have been selected by both Medibank Health Solutions and Joint Health Command to provide this critical service to our serving men and women. We look forward to delivering on this service to JHC and further embedding our partnership with Medibank over the term of the agreement."
This initiative is one example of how JHC has utilised the broader expertise of the Medibank group to procure hospital services under the ADF Health Services contract. The three year contract with Medibank and St Luke's commenced on 4 November 2013 and a formal launch of the ward occurred on 5 December.
Dr Matthew Cullen, Executive General Manager of Medibank Health Solutions, said, "We are delighted to partner with St Luke's to deliver this important ADF ward to Australia's servicemen and women. Medibank already had a strong relationship with St Luke's through our health insurance division, so it is fantastic to be able to extend that relationship and work with them in this capacity."
Dr Cullen continues, "The development of the ward is a prime example of Medibank's health insurance and health service divisions combining their capabilities and expertise, to provide a comprehensive service."
St Luke's Care is an independent, not-for-profit, charitable organisation that has delivered excellence in health and aged care for 90 years. Established in 1919, initially as a private hospital, the organisation now comprises four divisions that together form the mainstream of its specialised range of services - St Luke's Hospital, Aged Care, Home Care and Apartments - all supported by the St Luke's Hospital Foundation.
Medibank Health Solutions signed a four-year contract with the ADF's Joint Health Command in 2012 to manage and coordinate healthcare services for all eligible ADF personnel nationally, from point of injury or illness through to recovery. The healthcare process is co-ordinated to ensure eligible ADF personnel experience an enhanced service, including access to on and off-base medical practitioners and allied health professionals, radiology, pathology and optometry services, as well as a telehealth service delivering nurse triage, health advice and referral services.