Page 3015 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 15 August 2018
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I wish to publicly acknowledge the good work and solid commitment from the doctors, registrars and senior managers that have contributed recently to the improved environment and culture in the radiology department. Good culture breeds better culture, and I will not continue to engage in a dialogue that regurgitates historical situations when there is clear evidence before us that the situation is changing. In addition, both Minister Rattenbury and I have been very clear with ACT Health’s leadership that the work underway to rebuild trust and genuine engagement with staff is a key priority. As we move to separate ACT Health into two organisations, this work must continue, and we are confident that the directorate is on the right track to drive these positive changes.
Outside these issues, I would also like to outline some additional work currently underway within the radiology department. ACT Health has advertised widely for two new radiologists at a national and local level, a departmental orientation program has been completed and distributed to all radiologists and trainees within the department, and all trainees are being offered two and three-year contracts to align with their training schedule and will not be required to undertake reviews.
I am also pleased to confirm that all Canberra Hospital medical imaging equipment meets Medicare requirements and in fact has National Association of Testing Authorities accreditation right through to June 2020. All devices are under vendor service managed contracts and an asset replacement strategy, which is currently being finalised and will form part of future government considerations. These include two MRI scanners, a digital X-ray and a third CT scanner.
While I acknowledge the report noted imaging equipment being out of date, with no details of a replacement program, I am advised that this is not the case and it has been remedied. I am also pleased to confirm that the medical imaging department is currently installing a new $1 million single-photon emission computed tomography camera, better known as a SPECT camera, and is currently procuring three new ultrasound units.
Fundamentally, though, the report from the college did cite a significant breakdown in communication between two previous directors of training, which unfortunately affected the management of trainees. Since that time ACT Health has taken appropriate steps, as guided by the college’s report, to remedy this by appointing two new directors of training, as I have noted.
With reference to issues relating to clinical oversight, I am advised that the rostering of radiologists during this time was required to be overseen by the clinical director of radiology. The role of clinical director was to provide oversight of the roster and ensure clinical needs were being met within the department. The compilation of the roster was undertaken by the director of medical imaging, which is a legitimate part of any rostering process and reduces the need to take clinicians away from their clinical work.
I can confirm that consultant rostering will continue to be undertaken by the director of medical imaging, with the appropriate oversight of a clinical lead, and the rostering
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