Image: Australia’s healthcare system will have to deal with a higher number of chronic illness cases over coming years (Flickr: Jeff Kramer (CC BY 2.0)) Australia has an aging population, which means more people are developing chronic conditions related to older age, such as diabetes, heart disease or arthritis. Lifestyle factors may also be contributing to the increase in these conditions too. So, is our healthcare system equipped to deal with this rise in chronic illnesses? Jeffrey Braithwaite has studies the quality of care in Australian hospitals. He says we may need to rethink how healthcare is provided — and how patients seek care. Guest: Jeffrey Braithwaite Professor of Health Systems Research, Macquarie University, Sydney Host: James Bullen Producer: James Bullen / Carl Smith