We’re excited to share our Annual plan 2026-27
Our Annual plan 2026–27 details what we will deliver in the next year to achieve our vision of a better, safer healthcare system for all Victorians.
Partnering with consumers in health research
Consumers in health research
In a health context, a consumer is anyone who uses, or may use, health services or participate in health research. This includes patients, potential participants, carers, families and community members.
Consumers bring lived experience that helps ensure health research and clinical trials are relevant, accessible and responsive to community needs.
Working in collaborative partnership with consumers supports more inclusive research that is better designed, communicated and delivered.
Stakeholder toolkit - My Maternity Journey
My Maternity Journey provides clear, trusted information about pregnancy, birth and early postnatal care. It helps women and families understand what to expect, explore their maternity care options and make informed choices about their care.
Research Fellow spotlight: Using surveillance data to strengthen Victoria's preparedness for mosquito-borne diseases
As part of Safer Care Victoria's Translational Research PhD Fellowship Pilot Program, Maxwell Braddick is exploring how surveillance systems can better detect and monitor mosquito-borne viruses in Victoria.
An infectious diseases physician and public health medicine trainee, Max is undertaking a PhD at the University of Melbourne focused on a One Health approach to surveillance of mosquito-borne viruses, including Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Japanese encephalitis virus.
What we heard about ethical review in Victoria
Safer Care Victoria has published Strategic Ethics Reform Project: What we heard, a report outlining findings from the statewide listening program undertaken between March and June 2026.
Contributors to the statewide listening program described a research assurance system that is highly valued and broadly trusted. They also identified emerging pressures affecting the systems that support ethical review.
Formula feeding
Mixed feeding
Mixed feeding means combining breastmilk (from the breast or expressed) with infant formula. Families choose this for many reasons including flexibility, sharing feeding responsibilities, returning to work or study or managing feeding challenges short term.
If you're breastfeeding, replacing breastfeeds with formula may reduce your supply unless you also stimulate the breasts through expressing. If expressing, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and using equipment.
Feeding challenges
You and your baby are learning together. Every baby is different, and every feeding experience is unique, so it is normal to face challenges regardless of how you feed your baby or if you have breast fed previous babies.
Remember, feeding challenges are common. Experiencing feeding challenges does not mean you are doing anything wrong. It also doesn’t mean it isn’t working or isn’t going to work for you.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides nutrition that changes to meet your baby's needs and offers health benefits for both of you. It can also support comfort, connection and bonding.
In the first few days after birth, your body produces colostrum — a small amount of nutrient-rich milk. Your milk supply increases over the following days and your breasts may feel fuller as your milk "comes in".