Glossary

Public Health Service
A general term for the public hospitals, community health centres, and health services accountable to the Dept of Health.
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Victorian Agency for Health Information
Responsible for collecting, analysing, and reporting on data about the quality, safety, and performance of health services in Victoria.
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Victorian Public Sector Commission
Oversees governance and employment standards for the entire Victorian Public Service, including non-clinical hospital staff.
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Public Health Unit
Regional bodies established to lead public health activities like outbreak management, health protection, and preventive health within their geographic area.
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Health Service Partnership (HSP)
Collaborative arrangements between health services in a specific region to improve coordination and integration of care, ensuring patients have smoother transitions between services.
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Emergency Department
The acute, unscheduled care section of a public hospital.
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Hospital in the Home (HiTH)
A program where patients who meet specific criteria can receive acute hospital-level care (e.g., IV antibiotics, complex wound care) in their own home, managed by the public hospital.
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Area Mental Health Service
Clinical mental health services provided to Victorians with a serious mental illness or disorder, managed by general health facilities under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022.
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Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT)
A mobile, community-based mental health team that provides urgent, intensive assessment and short-term treatment to people experiencing a mental health crisis.
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Planned Surgery (Elective Surgery)
Surgical procedures that can be booked in advance, managed on a waitlist (not emergency).
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Patient Flow
The movement of a patient through the hospital system, from admission to discharge.
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Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
A group of professionals from various disciplines who collaborate to provide comprehensive care for a patient.
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Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
Refers to communities of people born overseas or with overseas-born parents, requiring culturally sensitive services.
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Intern
A medical graduate in their first year of clinical practice.
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Resident Medical Officer (RMO) / Resident
A junior doctor who has completed their internship and continues training in a hospital.
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Registrar
A senior hospital doctor undertaking advanced specialist training.
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Consultant / Senior Consultant
A specialist doctor who has completed all training and holds the highest clinical authority.
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Visiting Medical Officer (VMO)
A specialist who is not a full-time employee of a public hospital but can treat private patients in that facility.
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Registered Nurse (RN)
A tertiary-qualified nurse responsible for administering medication, assessing patients, and supervising staff.
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Enrolled Nurse (EN)
A diploma-qualified nurse providing care under the supervision of an RN.
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Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
An RN with postgraduate qualifications and expertise in a specific clinical area.
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Nurse Practitioner (NP)
An advanced RN who can diagnose, prescribe medications, and refer patients independently.
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Assistant in Nursing (AIN)
An unlicensed worker assisting nurses with basic care tasks.
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Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing (RUSON)
A paid role for nursing students who have completed at least 12 months of study.
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Allied Health
A group of non-medical, university-qualified health professionals.
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Physiotherapist
Helps patients restore and maximise movement and physical function.
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Occupational Therapist (OT)
Helps people perform everyday tasks and live independently.
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Pharmacist
Provides expertise on medicines and safe medication use.
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Speech Pathologist
Assesses and treats communication and swallowing disorders.
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Audiologist
Assesses and treats hearing and balance issues.
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Dietitian
Provides nutritional advice to manage health conditions and promote wellbeing.
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Exercise Physiologist
Designs exercise programs for people with chronic conditions or injuries.
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Orthoptist
Specialises in diagnosing and treating eye movement disorders.
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Orthotist/Prosthetist
Designs and fits devices to support mobility and function.
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Podiatrist
Treats conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and lower leg.
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Psychologist
Assesses and treats mental, emotional, and behavioural problems.
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Radiographer
Performs diagnostic imaging such as X-rays and MRIs.
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Social Worker
Supports patients with social, emotional, and practical issues.
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Sonographer
Uses ultrasound to produce diagnostic images.
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Allied Health Assistant (AHA)
Provides support to allied health professionals with delegated tasks.
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Carer
A person who provides personal care and support to another individual.
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Consumer
A person who uses or may use a healthcare service.
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Lived/Living Experience
Refers to individuals with personal experience of mental health services or caregiving.
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Health Equity
The principle that everyone should have a fair opportunity to achieve their full health potential.
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Inpatient
A patient admitted to hospital for overnight or ongoing care.
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Outpatient
A patient receiving care without being admitted overnight.
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Cultural Safety
An environment where patients feel respected and safe in their identity and culture.
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Triage
The process of prioritising patients based on urgency.
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Palliative Care
Care focused on quality of life and symptom relief for serious illness.
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Advance Care Directive/Plan (ACD)
A written statement outlining a person’s future healthcare wishes.
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Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The most senior executive responsible for overall management.
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Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
A senior doctor responsible for clinical leadership and safety.
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Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
A senior nurse responsible for nursing leadership and standards.
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Clinical Governance
A framework ensuring accountability for quality and safety in healthcare.
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Nurse Unit Manager
The senior nurse responsible for managing a hospital ward.
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Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Supports the NUM with day-to-day clinical and operational leadership.
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Clinical Educator
Responsible for training and professional development of clinical staff.
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Executive Director
A senior manager responsible for areas like finance, HR, or strategy.
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NSQHS Standards
National standards that healthcare services must meet for accreditation.
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Clinical Incidents
Events that caused or could have caused harm to a patient.
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Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
A structured investigation to identify underlying causes of incidents.
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KPI
Key Performance Indicator used to measure performance.
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Length of Stay (LOS)
The total time a patient remains admitted in hospital.
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Infection Prevention and Control
Practices to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings.
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Weighted Inlier Equivalent Separations (WIES)
A measure used in Victoria to assess hospital activity and funding.
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Statement of Priorities
An annual agreement outlining performance targets and funding.
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Urgent Care Centre
A facility providing care for minor illnesses and injuries.
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Family Violence Leave
An employment entitlement supporting staff experiencing family violence.
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Aboriginal Cultural Safety
Ensuring Aboriginal people feel safe and respected in healthcare settings.
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Lived Experience Workforce
Staff employed based on their personal experience within the mental health system.
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Equity & Inclusion
An approach ensuring fair access and participation for all individuals.
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Disability Action Plan (DAP)
A plan to promote inclusion and prevent discrimination for people with disability.