Chief Executive's Foreword
Download full report: DHF Annual Report 2009 - 2010
While the Territory has a relatively small population we confront a range of complex challenges, some of which are common to all health systems in Australia,like workforce shortages and escalating costs. There are however others that impact quite differently in the Territory than elsewhere, not least of which are Aboriginal health needs and the dispersed pattern of population across the 1.3 million square kilometres of the Northern Territory.
Demand for health and family services in the Northern Territory continues to grow so it is not surprising that the Department over the past year has also seen significant growth. This year we saw more than 12 500 additional people in Territory emergency departments than we did just a few years ago and we have recorded a 132% percent increase in notifications of children at risk over the same time. Recent national reports show that Territory hospitals are among the busiest in the country. This Annual Report demonstrates continuing strong growth in demand whether in the primary health setting, at our five hospitals or in the vital support given to the Territory's families and children.
The Northern Territory Government invested a record $1.12 billion in the Health and Families portfolio in 2009-10. The Department has been focusing on spending wisely and effectively, with the focus on achieving good outcomes and meeting the expectations of the broader community in Central Australia, the Top End, in town and in the bush. Staffing has increased particularly in front line service areas. Compared to 2005-06 for example there are
30% more nurses, 50% more professional staff and 41% more doctors employed in the agency. Caring for our children has specifically benefited from increased budget with an 86% increase in the number of professional staff in NT Families and Children over the last few years.
Importantly we are making real efforts to build an inclusive workplace and a diverse workforce. In 2009-10 about 10% of the Department's staff were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and some 23% of our staff came from a non English speaking background.
Within a challenging international, national and local economic environment, gains have been made, as is shown by the indicators and activity across the various Divisions and program areas. Of course, more needs to be done.
The health status of the Territory's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues to be unacceptably lower than non-Aboriginal Territorians. Unlike other jurisdictions Aboriginal Territorians comprise the majority of our clients in almost every area of the Department's activity. Our Department has Aboriginal health squarely in the core business corner, and we have real improvements on foot to provide a sound contribution in this area. One of the key planks is our partnership with the Aboriginal community controlled health sector and the Australian Government. Together we are embarking on reform that is tackling some of the system and service issues that have bedevilled Aboriginal health for decades, and we are seeing real change.
Our Department is working hard to address inequities, but there is much we can all do to improve our individual health and wellbeing. Tobacco and alcohol are two of the biggest contributors to illhealth for Territorians. Studies show consistently that Territorians have Australia's highest rates of tobacco consumption. Territorians consume alcohol at levels that lead to unacceptable violence, avoidable accidents and reduced workplace performance. Tobacco and alcohol add illness and disability to the lives of too many Territorians.
The Department has continued its efforts to tackle these and other determinants of health. In step with changes in the broader community, for example the extension of smoking bans in licensed premises, the Department is making its own efforts to tackle smoking in the workplace. Like other employers we continue to work to provide our staff and customers with a safe environment, so from 1 July 2009 a Departmentalwide Smoke Free Policy was Introduced, covering all our facilities, including the grounds of the five hospitals, and Departmental vehicles. To help our patients and staff we have offered smoking cessation support, such as nicotine replacement therapy, which has been shown to help people to quit.Like the rest of Australia, the Northern Territory stands at the threshold of health sector reform. In May the Northern Territory Government joined other jurisdictions in signing up to a milestone agreement that will lead to the introduction of national health reform. This marks a fundamental shift in the way health care is funded and delivered. Changes are coming to the way general practice and primary health care are funded with the Australian Government assuming full funding and policy responsibilities. In addition, the Australian Government will become a more significant funder of our public hospital system.
The critical issues will be to protect what works well in our health sector while working hard to ensure that we remain active, engaged and open to new ways of working that deliver better outcomes for Territorians. I am confident that the Department is positioned well and is on the front foot on many of the issues associated with this reform.
Change will not only flow from these important national reforms but also from our ongoing work to do better here at home. The Department has been a major contributor, along with the Territory community in the development of the Territory 2030 strategic plan which is the Government's road map for the future. Some of our Territory 2030 objectives are to reform the Territory health system, focus on better lifestyle practices and more comprehensive out-of-hospital support. To this end, the Department has commissioned significant new facilities in the past year.
These include the $27 million Radiation Oncology Unit in Darwin and Barbara James House, a $4 million accommodation facility for cancer patients and their families, who need to be in Darwin to access cancer treatment. Construction of the Palmerston GP Super Clinic nears completion, with the adjacent Palmerston Urgent Care After Hours Service already providing care from 6.00 pm until 8.00 am, seven days a week.
In late 2009 the Government announced an independent Inquiry into the Child Protection System. The Board of Inquiry is due to present its report in the second half of 2010.
The Department views the Inquiry as a valuable opportunity for analysis of how the Territory's care and protection system needs to look in the future. The Department's submission to the Inquiry examined all areas of the child protection system, such as workforce retention and development, intake, statutory intervention, out of home care, legislation, the role of the non-government sector, the role of other government agencies, services in rural and remote locations and support for families, including services for Indigenous children and families.
The outcomes of 2009-10 depended significantly on the professionalism and dedication of our many staff members, be they in service provision, policy or support roles. I sincerely thank everyone for their efforts over the past 12 months.
On behalf of the Executive team I wish to thank those serving on the Advisory Councils and the Committees that provided valuable input and assisted us in the planning and delivery of services. I would like to extend my appreciation to the many community members who have supported our hospitals and other services as volunteers.
I wish to note the departure of former Chief Executive, Dr David Ashbridge, who so ably led The Department over several years, including most of this year. David has taken up an exciting new opportunity in a leading role in the Victorian Health system. His inspiring leadership helped make the Department the organisation it now is, and we thank him for his contribution.
I would also like to thank Mr Alan Wilson, who was Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Acute Care and who acted as Chief Executive for several months before returning to New Zealand to take up a senior health executive position.
Recognition and thanks also goes to Ms Jenny Cleary for her valuable contribution whilst acting in the position of Chief Executive during the year. Our team has made a real difference in so many people's lives, and we should all be proud of our achievements. I thank you all for your wonderful support.
Jeff Moffet
Chief Executive
October 2010
