Susan Rice Email & Phone Number

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Key responsibilities:Led a high-performing team managing a $20 million portfolio in aged and chronic complex conditions programs, overseeing program implementation and financial oversight with strategic engagement across local, state, and federal sectors. Drove innovative healthcare initiatives, including the commissioning of Australia's first virtual ED, integration of value-based healthcare frameworks, and the launch of pioneering aged care and chronic disease services for hard-to-reach populations.Key achievements:• Commissioned the first virtual ED in Australia, establishing a model adapted by the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED).• Launched integrated programs such as IDEAS and chronic disease management, enhancing hospital and primary care collaboration.• Developed and implemented program monitoring frameworks and high-level program logic for outcome-based healthcare delivery.• Chaired key procurement panels, ensuring transparent and strategic selection processes across critical program initiatives.• Advanced sector knowledge on aged care reform, contributing to the upcoming Support at Home Program to improve national care delivery.• Launched the Lilydale Integrated Youth Health Hub, delivering accessible, multi-disciplinary health services for youth in the region.• Enhanced the Aged Care Care Finder Program, achieving streamlined service access for older adults in need of complex care support.• Recognised as a finalist in the Vic Health Awards for the after-hours mental health nursing and liaison service, highlighting significant improvements in after-hours mental health care access and coordination.

Key responsibilitiesLed the After Hours program with a $6million portfolio across a range of program areas including aged care, primary care and mental health. Responsible for commissioning, including designing and tendering multiple projects, across the catchment. Led a team to contract manage over 50 projects incorporating high level, data driven reporting which was provided to the Board and Department of Health and Ageing (DoHAC) as part of the monitoring process. t. Contract managed key health programs including After Hours Clinic, Health Systems Navigator, and Aboriginal health initiatives, and developed high-level procurement and evaluation frameworks to support program delivery and impact.Key Achievements:• Delivered a number of innovative programs which have since ben replicated by the State Government, particularly in the virtual care space. Established and co designed programs which are now embedded into local health services.• Pioneered virtual care programs, setting foundational models now embedded within local health services and replicated across state-level initiatives.• Enhanced after-hours service accessibility through targeted contract management of culturally inclusive and community-focused health programs.• Developed comprehensive procurement specifications and evaluation frameworks for high-profile tenders, ensuring rigorous standards and program alignment with strategic health goals.• Being the Subject matter knowledge and high level stakeholder engagement resulted in my appointment to the federal government After Hours Round Table with representation from the Australian Medical Association (AMA), Sectary of the Department of Health and Ageing and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).• Contract managed a variety of programs include After Hours Clinic, health Systems navigator and aboriginal health programs in the after hours service.

Key responsibilitiesLead and delivered the Aged Care Program across the Eastern Region including the development of the Residential Aged Care Home Visiting GP Service, After Hours Residential Aged Care Service collaboration, training and networking program. Established effective key stakeholder relations with Ambulance Victoria and Department of Health Residential In Reach Services to deliver a number of impactful programs to drive improvements in healthcare for residents residing in Aged Care facilities.Key achievements:• Established the first Aged Care Program at the Eastern Melbourne Medicare Local• Establishment of a sector first Advanced Care Planning Consortium across the Eastern Metropolitan Region• Member of the Eastern Metropolitan Region Palliative Care Consortium• Enhanced capability of RACH staff and primary care clinicians to provide improved care for residents residing in RACHs and in the community.

Master’S Degree, Health Science

Bachelor Applied Science Environmental Health, Bachelor Applied Science Env Health