News Flash

A two day conference was held on the 25^th and 26^th May 2006 providing an opportunity for Regional Country SA to have input into the process for country health reform. A discussion paper will be released canvassing the changes proposed.

Under the proposed plan the local hospital boards will concentrate on advocacy and strategy and priority setting while technical responsibility for employment arrangements and contracts, safety and quality issues will be undertaken by the new country health authority.

A new interim Country Health Service Board of Directors will be appointed shortly.

The conference discussed the key drivers for improvement of quality and safety including;

• all employees in country health employed by Country Health SA Inc.

• appropriate resources supported through good information technology management systems

• development and implementation of a consistent country wide approach.

• strong leadership and a no-blame culture

• ongoing monitoring and regular feedback to staff and community

• a single model of clinical governance across country S.A. with clear lines of accountability options to facilitate good governance across country S.A. Included

• clear roles and responsibilities for accountability and management.

• geographically based areas of co-operation for planning purposes

• population based funding model.

• development of local planning, community engagement and advisory processes and mechanisms.

For enquiries contact Industrial Officer Dolly Costello on 82053244

e-mail: dlc@cpsu.asn.au

PSA/CPSU WORKING FOR ALL COUNTRY HEALTH MEMBERS