Developing service plan Catchment A catchment is a

Developing service plan

Catchment • A “catchment” is a defined geographic area. The catchment boundaries are to be defined with reference to administrative boundaries, service delivery patterns and transport networks.

Demographics • Population distribution by age, sex • Socioeconomic status and ethnicity • Visiting populations to major commercial and tourist centres • Significant visiting populations to major commercial and tourist centres • Historical growth trends in service supply and demand • Client/Patient origin and client/patient flow to relevant services within the catchment and to other providers • Other relevant information.

Current Services • The services currently provided in the area, the proposed new services and any services being relocated should be described and discussed in relation to the development proposal.

What are things to be known in current services An analysis of the demand for services should include: • Frequency of need for services • Length of service provision • Occupancy rates by speciality where appropriate • Average length of stay or consultation time • Factors affecting the average length of stay and consultation time • Alternative service providers.

Future Service Demand Future requirements and distribution by speciality are to be estimated by: • Service needs and client access • Requirements for emergency facilities • Optimal consultation, occupancy and usage rates • Optimal functional unit size • Acceptable target set by policy • Availability of complementary services and resources to support identified new need • Methods of service delivery including trends in overseas.

Preferred Service Model • The preferred service model would consider various options, taking into consideration current and future requirements. Future changes should be considered in terms of changes in legislation, technology and demand.

Throughput Estimates • Throughput estimates or suitable benchmarks are required. These should consider current practice, rates in similar centres, quality, efficient and effective service delivery and changes in practice, technology and therapies.

Hours of Operation • The hours of service operation required must be established as well as related issues, e. g. , car parking requirements and transport.

Ancillary Services • Ancillary services such as administration, hotel, training, engineering and supply services would be assessed on the basis of historical information, relevant / current Government policies and future demand requirements

Links to Other Providers • The Service Plan should assess linkages to services within a geographic boundary and to services of a complementary nature to ensure coordination.

Facility and Personnel Requirements • The options available to provide the required facilities and personnel are to be determined by using data such as that listed above in accordance with accepted best practice • The estimated peak demand for service for a ten-year period should be used to calculate demand. Any facility should be of adequate size to meet this service demand for the period of this service life.

Performance Indicators • The Services Plan should have clear measurable performance indicators. These indicators should clearly identify any constraints and/or resources required to achieve the agreed services mix

Consultation • A draft Service Plan should be prepared and form the basis for discussion with a clear rationale for the recommended options outlined in the draft report……