Local boards to drive healthcare innovation

• Experienced professionals appointed to five interim WA Health Service boards

• Dedicated focus on local patient needs across the State

• Tasked with driving quality care and financial efficiency 

Nearly 40 professionals, with experience across the fields of medicine and health care, finance, law, and community and consumer engagement, have been appointed to five interim Western Australian Health Service boards.

Announcing the interim board members today, Health Minister John Day said they promised strong accountability and a renewed focus on innovation and efficiency.

"These boards are a key part of the strategy to ensure WA continues to benefit from safe, high-quality and sustainable health care," Mr Day said.

"They will play a major role in driving clinical and financial performance, each with a dedicated focus on local health needs, whether in the country or in growing communities like the Eastern Metropolitan corridor."

The Minister said the new boards were part of wider reforms to help make healthcare more responsive to changing community expectations, including the need to provide care closer to home. 

"Based on the overall experience of other States, we can also expect improvements over time in patient care and clinical safety, plus more innovative ways of care delivery," he said.

"Our population is growing and living longer and our health needs are changing, placing immense pressure on the system.  We need to respond to these challenges to ensure we continue to deliver top quality, timely healthcare using the best technology available."

Each interim board has a balance of male and female members, including at least three health professionals, with doctors who are practising in the WA health system.

From July 1, 2016, subject to the passage of the Health Services Bill 2016, the WA Health Service boards will be fully constituted and legally responsible and accountable for hospital and health service delivery in their geographic areas. 

"I congratulate all board members on their appointment and I am confident they will make a valuable contribution to WA's healthcare delivery," Mr Day said.

Fact File

• More than 400 applications were received for board positions

• Members are appointed on an interim and advisory basis until June 30, 2016, pending enactment of the Health Services Bill 2016, which is being progressed through State  Parliament

• Interim WA Health Service boards are North Metropolitan, South Metropolitan, East Metropolitan, WA Country, and Child and Adolescent Health Service

• For information on the five boards' responsibilities and a list of new interim board members, visit http://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/boardsrecruitment  

Minister's office - 6552 6200