Government response to health culture review tabled in Assembly


Released 16/05/2019 - Joint media release

The ACT Government today tabled its response to the Independent Review into Workplace Culture within ACT Public Health Services, agreeing to all recommendations.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris, Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury and the leaders of the Health Directorate, Canberra Health Services and Calvary Public Hospital Bruce also reaffirmed their commitment to cultural change, releasing a public pledge to staff and the community.

“Today represents a new beginning for our public health system,” Minister Fitzharris said.

“Over the past 12 months there has been a spotlight on culture within our health system. While a number of positive changes have already been made across the ACT’s health services, we know that there is more work to do.

“The Government and the leaders of our health system are united in our commitment to improving culture, and over the next three years there will be significant work undertaken across our hospitals and health services.

“Since the final report was released, a strong governance framework has been established to ensure implementation of the recommendations is effective. The new Culture Review Oversight Group and the Culture Review Implementation Steering Group are already up and running.

“Across the Directorate and Canberra Health Services, a process of stabilising and refining the organisational structures, vision and values of these new organisations is underway.

“Work to appoint the Clinical Leadership Forum is also progressing and I look forward to making an announcement on the membership of the Forum in the very near future.”

Minister Rattenbury also reaffirmed the importance of this work to ensure staff feel supported and valued.

“The stories that we have heard through the Review process highlight how poor workplace culture can affect the wellbeing of staff,” Minister Rattenbury said.

“That’s why mental health and wellbeing of our workforce will be at the core of the changes we will implement, ensuring staff feel safe and supported in the important work they do for our community.”

Next month’s ACT Budget will invest in the implementation of the Review’s recommendations.

For the government’s response and further information visit: www.health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/culture-review-implementation.

Photo: Canberra Health Services CEO Bernadette McDonald, Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris, Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury, Calvary Public Hospital Bruce CEO Barbara Reid and ACT Health Director-General Michael De’Ath with the signed commitment.

- Statement ends -

Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases

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