Number: A009/2021
Date: 5 March 2021
The 2019-20 Indian Ocean Territories Health Service (IOTHS) Annual Report showcases the outstanding work done by the committed local health services team to provide high quality, targeted and contemporary health services throughout an extremely challenging year.
The global COVID-19 pandemic tested our health services like never before. The IOTHS effectively adapted to delivering high quality business-as-usual health services to the community, and also provided expert support to the Territory Controllers, myself and local Emergency Management Committees through our ongoing COVID-19 response.
Providing high quality patient-centred health services to the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) remains a priority for the Australian Government as we continue to recover and rebuild from COVID-19.
I am excited to be part of the key initiatives being delivered in 2020-21, including commencing implementation of the IOTHS Strategic Plan 2020-25, transitioning IOT disability clients to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and the activities of the IOTHS Governance Advisory Council and Community Advisory Committee.
I would like to thank and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of IOTHS staff and leadership team over the past twelve months, and look forward to continuing to work with the health service and the IOT communities on our shared priorities.
You can view the report on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website: www.regional.gov.au/territories/publications/index.aspx
Natasha Griggs
Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands