Clinical governance is the term used to describe a systematic approach to maintaining and improving the quality of patient care within a health system. It is about the ability to produce effective change so that high quality care is achieved. It requires clinicians and administrators to take joint responsibility for making sure this occurs.

When clinical governance is effective, it has the potential to:

  • make positive changes you want to see happen;
  • improve the quality of care for patients; and
  • provide a better experience for staff.

Drug and Alcohol ​Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist

The role of the Drug and Alcohol Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist is to provide:

  • advice on drug and alcohol clinical matters to the Director and staff of Alcohol and Other Drugs
  • information on new developments in drug and alcohol clinical treatment and care
  • leadership on the development and monitoring of a clinical governance framework for NSW drug and alcohol services and
  • support to NSW clinical staff at times where local clinical leadership is not available.

Clinical governan​ce programs and services

Alcohol and Other Drugs has a number of clinical governance programs, services and initiatives that address quality and safety issues, risk management, continuous improvement, workforce development and work with key stakeholders at committee level.

Quality in Tr​eatment Sub-Committee (QIT)

The QIT Sub-Committee reports to the NSW Health Drug and Alcohol Program Council on matters relating to improvements in clinical practice and quality of care. It consists of senior clinicians from the LHDs with representation from non-government organisations, nursing and allied health professionals.

Aboriginal Drug an​d Alcohol Network (ADAN)

The Drug and Alcohol Clinical Program is working with Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol leaders in NSW through the establishment of the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Network (ADAN). The ADAN Leadership Group meets regularly to discuss the development and delivery of Aboriginal drug and alcohol services in NSW. The ADAN holds an annual symposium. This project is run in partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC).​​

Current as at: Monday 23 May 2022
Contact page owner: Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs