Author: Eleni Naude - AAHP Treasurer and Committee Member

As healthcare needs evolve, so must the way we plan, design, and deliver services. Health service planners play a pivotal role in ensuring that our healthcare systems are not only equipped to meet today’s demands but are also prepared for the challenges of the future.

By leveraging health data, population demographics, and service demand projections, planners provide critical insights that shape strategic decision-making. Their expertise bridges the gap between clinical needs and system-wide infrastructure planning, ensuring that resources, technology, and workforce strategies are aligned with patient and community needs.

A core part of health service planning involves large-scale infrastructure projects. These developments require deep analysis, scenario modelling, and extensive stakeholder engagement—from frontline clinicians to government bodies—to create healthcare environments that enhance service delivery and improve patient outcomes. 

And, the role of a health service planner extends beyond hospital walls. Increasingly, planners are involved in health precinct development, integrating healthcare with research, education, and community services. This holistic approach fosters innovation, supports workforce sustainability, and builds resilient healthcare ecosystems that improve the overall health and wellbeing of communities.

Over time, we have seen health service planners transition into infrastructure project management roles, supporting and leading the planning and delivery of health development projects. Their understanding of the service- and system-level outcomes and benefits enables the project to be delivered as intended, as well as influence key processes such as model of care development, operational commissioning and post occupancy evaluations. 

With a commitment to evidence-based planning, innovation, and collaboration, health service planners are shaping the future of healthcare—creating adaptable, efficient, and patient-centred systems that will serve generations to come.