Page 728 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 19 March 2019
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health services on 7 March. There were a number of key things highlighted in the report indicating that many of these issues are being played out at a national level. Many of the issues identified in the ACT were longstanding.
It was clear that some staff have been subjected to inappropriate behaviours which had not been adequately investigated or addressed, that there needed to be improvements to procedures and processes to deal with complaints, that HR practices required improvement and that historically there had been a lack of effective leadership. There was a need to ensure greater clinical engagement to ensure that the system can benefit from the expert knowledge and input of individuals, and additional training is required. Most importantly, the review also found that there is cautious optimism among staff as well as a theme of requesting that the government get on and deliver the recommendations from this report.
It is of course disappointing to read that organisations have not been effectively addressing concerns raised by staff and that some of our processes were inadequate. But as I have said on many occasions, and will reiterate here today, the negative behaviours being experienced by some staff within the ACT public health system are unacceptable and we are committed to making sure that these will stop. The final report recommendations support us to do just this.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, what will the next steps arising from this process be, in terms of recommendations and implementation?
MS FITZHARRIS: I said last year that I hoped that the independent review would look at causes and contributing factors to the current issues of workplace culture. Indeed the work of the independent panel and the final report provide us with real recommendations about how we can do just that. The panel has provided recommendations which create a clear path forward, and I acknowledge the participation of staff and stakeholders in this process that has brought us to this point.
The government has accepted all of the recommendations in principle and will respond formally to the report and the recommendations within the time frames set out in the terms of reference. One of the key recommendations is for the establishment of the culture review oversight group. I am pleased to advise that I will hold the first meeting of this group later this month. I will be the chair of the group and other major health sector stakeholders will have membership.
I will look forward to keeping members informed of progress through regular updates to the Assembly.
MS CHEYNE: Minister, how are leaders in the ACT public health services working to ensure that the ACT public health system will be a positive place to work and receive health care?
MS FITZHARRIS: The leadership team across the ACT Health Directorate, Canberra Health Services and Calvary Public Hospital must look after the people who deliver patient care to our community. There are new executive structures across all organisations to support them to do just this.
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