27 August 2010

Expressions of Interest for Local Health Network - Governing Council Chairpersons

An Expression of Interest has been in major metropolitan and regional newspapers for Chairpersons for the Local Health Network (LHN) Governing Councils.

A discussion paper outlining the proposed future directions of the NSW Hospital System was released earlier this month.

The paper proposes the establishment of 17 LHNs to replace the current eight Area Health Services- 15 LHNs based on geographic location and two specialist networks, the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and the Forensic Mental Health Network.

The paper discusses the importance of local decision-making in improving the health of communities and ensuring a culture of patient centred care.

Submissions for feedback on the LHN proposal remain open until 1 September 2010.

While factors relating to the size and location of LHN are still being considered, the next step in implementing the reforms is the Expression of Interest for Chairpersons of the Governing Councils, to be established for each LHN.

The Chairperson will provide leadership to the Governing Council, communicate with government and the community served by the LHN and also have direct involvement in appointing the Governing Council members.

Governing Councils will be responsible for the following:

• establishing and overseeing an effective governance and risk management framework for the network;
• setting its strategic directions;
• ensuring high standards of professional and ethical conduct are maintained, involving providers and the community in decisions that affect them;
• monitoring the service delivery and financial performance of the network against its targets; and
• holding the Chief Executive accountable for their performance.

The NSW Government committed to a series of timeframes for the implementation of the LHNs as part of the COAG agreement signed in April.

This represents the next step in meeting those commitments. 

An Expression of Interest can be submitted on-line or using the required form available from the website http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/lhd/index.asp  

Applications close 17 September 2010.