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New bill backs better health A PROPOSED new Health Care Bill 2007, aimed at streamlining governance structures across the South Australian public health system, has been released for public comment before being introduced to State Parliament.Under the proposed Bill, the Health Department will be given direct responsibility and accountability for managing SA's public health system - making it one of the most integrated health systems in the nation. Health Minister John Hill says the Bill paves the way for the dissolution of the three metropolitan health boards - a move that was announced last year - and the creation of new governance structures, which will allow for a more unified approach when it comes to decision-making, service delivery and administration. "The Central Northern Adelaide Health Service Board, the Southern Adelaide Health Service Board and the Children, Youth and Women's Health Service Board will continue to operate until June of next year, to allow for the passage of the Bill and a smooth transition to the new governance structure," Minister Hill said. "Under the changes, for the first time the Department of Health will have direct responsibility and accountability for managing South Australia's public system - not just responsibility for funding it. "While the metropolitan health regions (CNAHS, SAHS & CYWHS) will remain unchanged, Chief Executive Officers will report directly to the Chief Executive of the Health Department, instead of to individual boards. Country Health SA will also report directly to the chief executive of the Department. "Governance arrangements for the Repatriation General Hospital will not change unless veterans support a change." The new arrangements will also see the establishment of a new, independent body called the Health Performance Council, which will provide advice to the Ministers on health outcomes, how the health system is working and how to improve health outcomes. The council will provide an annual report and four-yearly report to Parliament on the health of South Australians, trends, future priorities and changes in health outcomes over the reporting period. "The changed governance structures will reduce the existing fragmentation and unnecessary duplication within the public health system, as well as deliver a more efficient system when it comes to meeting the health needs of South Australians," Minister Hill said. "These changes build on recommendations of the Generational Health Review and are in step with South Australia's Health Care Plan, which I launched last month. "The objective is to consolidate services and make sure our health services are working in tandem so resources are being used efficiently and the best possible outcomes are achieved." Health Advisory Councils (HACs) will be set up for country communities to provide advice and advocacy functions. "The establishment of Health Advisory Councils will ensure that communities continue to have input at a grassroots level,'' Minister Hill said. Importantly, the draft Bill ensures that the assets of local country communities are retained for the local community. As part of a consultation process, two options for retaining assets in country communities are being proposed. Under the first model, local hospital boards would become incorporated HACs and would be responsible for holding and managing the assets of their local health service. The second model would involve the creation of the Country Health Community Asset Authority (CHCAA) which would have a key role in providing advice on planning and resource allocation. The CHCAA would also be the single asset holding body for all of country. It would consult with and have agreement of local HACs prior to making decisions to dispose of property and assets. "The draft Health Care Bill is all about improving governance arrangements so that South Australia is well-placed to respond to South Australia's growing health care needs," Minister Hill said. "The future of the South Australian health system depends on modernising our approach - both from a legislative point of view and from an operational one, as outlined in the South Australia's Health Care Plan." |
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