ACT Health is to be divided into two organisations in October, separating the delivery of operational health services from its policy and planning functions.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Meegan Fitzharris announced the change, saying it would lead to improved access, timeliness and quality of health services for the people of Canberra and the surrounding region.
Ms Fitzharris said it would also bring the ACT into line with every other Australian jurisdiction, making sure Canberrans got the best possible care and continued to be the healthiest people in the country.
“With our health system expanding and increasing demand on our health services, now is the perfect time to move towards a more contemporary health system,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“This separation will enable a clearer focus on operational effectiveness and efficiency, and improve accountability for health service delivery.”
She said both organisations would continue ACT Health’s commitment to the health of the community — specifically, an approach to health that was all about people, as well as a commitment to quality, innovation, engagement and accountability.
Minister for Mental Health, Shane Rattenbury said the separation would facilitate improved mental health services delivery, while also allowing mental health policy to improve its focus.
“The establishment of the Office for Mental Health will ensure that these efforts are well coordinated,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Two new executive positions will be created to lead the new organisations and the current Director-General position will no longer exist from 1 October.”
Director-General, Nicole Feely has advised the Government that she will pursue new opportunities, having led ACT Health over the past three years.
Ms Fitzharris thanked Ms Feely for her commitment and focus in beginning the ACT Health reform process, and announced that Karen Doran would act as Director-General of ACT Health for the time being.
“A small dedicated team will be established to guide the planning and delivery of the new structure with leadership from ACT Health Deputy Directors-General as a reference group,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Staff, employee representatives and health stakeholders and the broader community will be consulted.”
