New Foundation aims to enhance health care equity

Silverchain Foundation was officially launched today at an event for health and business leaders in Perth, where an expert panel discussed the future of care in Australia. 

Hosted by Silverchain Foundation’s inaugural Chair, Heather Zampatti, the panel included WA Health Minister the Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson, Silverchain Group Chief Executive Dale Fisher AM, and Chair of HBF Ltd and CEDA Diane Smith-Gander AO.

“With an ageing population and ever-increasing demands on the Federal Budget, Australia is on the cusp of a care revolution, led by local innovation and new models of care. The care system is under significant pressure and there is an urgent need for change,” Ms Zampatti said at the event, which is part of the University Club of Western Australia’s Breakfast by the Bay series.

“The latest Intergenerational Report highlighted the ageing population, digital transformation and rising demand for care and support services as three of the major forces affecting our society in the coming decades.”

Ms Zampatti said the appointment of Silverchain Foundation’s new Board, from a broad range of business, philanthropy and not-for-profit leaders, reflected the community’s willingness to support a different approach to health and aged care. 

“To Silverchain’s credit, these investments across research, innovation, scholarships and supporting the clients is long-standing and reflected throughout its 130-year legacy.

“As our community heads deeper into the 21st Century, there are many challenges on the horizon. Silverchain’s clinical, care and research teams are creating the future of care now and Silverchain Foundation is proud to support this pioneering work,” Ms Zampatti said.

Silverchain Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Dale Fisher AM, part of a global movement to reshape the future of health, said it was vital for both state and federal governments in Australia to partner with non-government organisations to work together on evidence-based initiatives that reduce the pressure on the tertiary hospital system and keep people safe and well in their own homes.

“With the expertise that we have in Australia, it makes sense for businesses and governments to form stronger alliances in order to create a strong culture of innovation, focused on smart home care,” Adj Prof Fisher said.

“Australians are rethinking health and aged care. The rapid changes in demand, technology, consumer choice, and policy have disrupted the dominant bricks-and-mortar approach. Attention is turning to the possibilities of in-home and digitally enabled care where people have greater choice. 

“With the generous support of our donors, Silverchain has been able to invest in developing the home care of the future, working in partnerships with universities and other care innovators throughout Australia and around the world.

“Western Australia has led the way for many decades on partnerships in health care, and offering patients real choice about where they receive their care.

“We have the once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the affordable, best practice care of the future to ensure all Australians can receive care that improves their quality of life,” Adj Prof Fisher said.

In addition to Ms Zampatti as Chair, Silverchain Foundation board members include Russell Lester, Tim Larkin, Anne Skipper AM and Brent Cubis.