Commissioner calls for a Best Practice Focus

25 March 2008

Commissioner for Hawke’s Bay DHB calls for a Best Practice Focus for the District Health Board

The Commissioner, Sir John Anderson, recently appointed by the Minister of Health to govern the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board, has called for a strong focus on best practice in the delivery of health services in the region.

He acknowledges the strong feelings that exist about recent events surrounding the former Board of the DHB, and acknowledges there may still be more debate, but he emphasised the urgent need for community leaders to get behind the DHB. “Staff need to be able to focus on what they do best, and that’s providing quality health care and services to Hawke’s Bay people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“In the short time I have been here I have found a very capable and competent organisation. So despite some of the difficulties that have been well aired, this organisation is very sound,” says Sir John.

“There are significant budgetary challenges, however. We need to understand what is driving the finances and not leap to quick-fix solutions that can end up compounding the situation.

“Correspondingly the aim is for management and clinicians to work together to achieve a best practice DHB. The key elements of such a DHB are a focus on the health of the community, on high quality and safe services ensuring patient safety, an empowered staff and a community that has confidence and pride in its health services.

“With these points in mind I believe we can rectify the financial position in two years and that should be our collective focus,” he says.

“I have confidence that the chief executive and the management team who understand what is required and are committed to seeking solutions. They recognise that their own performance is critical to success,” Sir John Anderson said.

ENDS

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