Delivering Core Functions In New Health Environment

20 District Health Boards

Media Release
9 March 2011

20 DHBs Deciding How Best To Deliver Core Functions In New Health Environment

"In line with the new National sector structure DHBs have moved previous work on Health Workforce, Procurement, Shared Services, Information and National Service planning to the new national agencies and look forward to the benefits of these new agencies to the DHBs," says Gregor Coster, Chair of the 20 DHB Chairs Group.

"What remains is core activity that DHBs are accountable for - National Services Contracting & Performance, Employment Relations and Capability, and 20 DHB Collaboration. These core functions are organised or facilitated through the 20 DHBs' association, District Health Boards New Zealand (DHBNZ)," he says.

"The emergence of these new agencies has prompted DHBs to consider how best to deliver their core collective functions. With that in mind we have been exploring various options for delivering that work in future," he says.

"An option that is being carefully considered is a transfer of the three Core DHB Functions to the Central Region Shared Service - Central Regional Technical Advisory Services (CRTAS). This is subject to clarification on some policy and accountability settings from the Director General.

"DHBNZ staff have been kept informed of these discussions and the various options, and have had an opportunity to provide feedback and input. A change management process is in place to manage the impact of transition on DHBNZ staff."

"Any final decisions made will be announced in the course of due process."

ENDS

© Scoop Media