This model is based on the maintenance of dedicated funding for established statewide genetic services, particularly in relation to paediatric services, genetic counselling and diagnosis, and pregnancy screening. It assumes additional support for the introduction of any new clinical services. As genetic services develop and the Health Care Networks evolve, there will be a need to formalise arrangements for the purchase and delivery of genetic services within and across Networks. Benchmarks for service provision and costings will also need to be established. The Working Group recognises that there is likely to be a growing interest by private health groups in this area, and that their potential role is not fully explored in this document.
Primacy is given to preserving the integrity and advantages of the hub and spoke service.
However, the hub and spoke argument does not preclude the development of additional centres of expertise in other specialities such as cancer. It is preferred that such services are networked with a central statewide level of expertise. The model proposed is offered as a starting point for discussion. Networks and other stakeholders are invited to assist in shaping a service delivery system that will remain responsive and flexible to changing circumstances over the next five years. Genetic Outreach Services Current clinical services are largely concentrated in metropolitan Melbourne.