ACT Health has been congratulated by its Minister for implementing a range of recommendations in the wake of a recent accreditation process that will lead to better health outcomes and an improved culture across the Directorate.
The Minister, Meegan Fitzharris said the work undertaken in order to achieve the reaccreditation of Canberra Hospital and Health Services was a testament to all staff and the leadership team.
“It was clear earlier this year that ACT Health was struggling with the current governance structure,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“There was a lack of clear accountability guidelines and concerns about culture,” she said.
“Through the accreditation process, these issues have been clearly addressed, and the surveyors found an entirely different story earlier this month.”
She said the surveyors observed ACT Health as an organisation of cohesion and teamwork, focused on what was best for the patient, achieving great outcomes for all Canberrans.
“The changes implemented by ACT Health during accreditation will go a long way to addressing issues around culture and governance within ACT Health, and I look forward to seeing that good work continue into the future,” Ms Fitzharris said.
She said that some of the surveyors’ observations included:
“Over the past few months the organisation has changed dramatically implementing sustainable systems and processes.”
“The ACT Health leadership team are clear of the direction, their own roles and responsibilities and the expectations of the organisation. People are being held accountable.”
“There is also a New Workforce Strategy under development.”
The Minister said that staff culture within an organisation of more than 7,000 people was not something you can change overnight.
“But it’s clear that through the accreditation process, and as we move to split ACT Health into two organisations, we are making vast improvements,” Ms Fitzharris said.
