July 2005

WHO membership for Southern Health

Southern Health is the first Victorian metropolitan health service to become a registered Health Promoting Health Service with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The World Health Organisation is the United Nations’ specialised agency for health.

WHO’s objective, as set out in its constitution, is for all people to attain the highest possible level of health.

Health is defined in the constitution as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just the absence of disease or infirmity.

A Health Promoting Health Service provides high-quality comprehensive medical and clinical services and promotes health and well-being to patients, visitors, staff and to the community.

Health Promoting Health Services are well-established overseas, driven by thriving European and Canadian Health Promoting Hospital Networks.

‘This membership will assist us in realising our vision of better health for our community and our purpose of being an Australian leader in improving their health and well-being,’ said Southern Health Executive Director of Primary Care Greg Young.

‘We will continue to improve our services, prioritising patient well-being and safety, working hard to make our services accessible and by working in partnership both internally and externally to address health issues.

‘As a registered Health Promoting Health Service, we are also actively promoting a healthy workplace.’