31 August 2011
The Northern Territory's National Health Reform rollout has been stepped up with the introduction of strategies relating to how services such as elective surgery, and emergency and sub acute care will be coordinated by the new Top End and Central Australian Hospital Networks due to operate formally from 1 July 2012."The Commonwealth's Health Reform agenda endorsed by the states and territories is providing enhanced funding to deliver better access to services, improved local accountability and transparency, and greater responsiveness to local communities into the future," Department of Health Chief Executive Jeff Moffet said today.
"The health reform agenda signals very significant changes in the way the health system does business, both here in the Territory and nationally.
"For now, the broader community may not notice many of these changes. However, those working within the health system, as well as our partner organizations, are aware that we are well advanced in planning new ways of delivering health care to our patients and clients.
"One major feature is an expanded capital works program, valued at around $390 million, which will involve significant consultation, planning and design. A range of projects, including the planning for the proposed Palmerston Community Hospital, have been made possible by the Commonwealth's new national funding arrangements."
A number of national health workforce initiatives, such as increasing clinical training placements and the number of medical and nursing graduates, are being undertaken as part of the Department's response to the National Health Reform agenda.
Mr Moffet said some key staffing changes had been made to enable the efficient implementation of the national health reform agenda. These include the creation of a senior position to manage the significant capital and infrastructure program of works, as well as accommodation needs, minor new works, and repairs and maintenance programs.
This new position, Executive Director of Planning and Infrastructure, will be taken up by the acting Executive Director, Top End Hospital Network, Ms Liz Stackhouse.
The position of Executive Director, Top End Hospital Network will be filled by Ms Jenny Cleary, currently Executive Director Heath Services, until the permanent recruitment process is completed before 1 July 2012, when the NT Hospital Networks formally commence.
Another senior staff member, Ms Jill Davis, will act as the Executive Director Health Services while an expression of interest process is completed for the remainder of this backfill arrangement.
"These are challenging and exciting times for Australia's public health system, and the Northern Territory is well placed to take full advantage of the changes and the enhanced funding, for the benefit of all of our patients and clients," Mr Moffet said.
Media Contact: Robin Osborne, Media Director, 8999 2886 - 0488 692 781
