Released 04/06/2020
Work to improve the workplace culture of ACT public health services is moving in the right direction according to the first Annual Review on Implementation of the Culture Review.
This Review is the first of three annual external reviews of the implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review into the Workplace Culture within ACT Public Health Services and their impact.
The first Annual Review was undertaken by Mr Mick Reid of Michael Reid and Associates, who also chaired the Independent Review Panel, and so was well placed to assess progress.
Minister for Health Rachel-Stephen-Smith said the Annual Review is an important mechanism to verify progress and identify areas of the cultural review implementation that require further development and focus.
“This report will help the Culture Review Oversight Group to better understand the impact of work so far on across the three arms of our public health services – the ACT Health Directorate, Canberra Health Services and Calvary Public Hospital.
“Mr Reid’s report identifies what has worked well, what has not worked so well and what may need to change or be improved.
“I am pleased to say that nearly all of those who were interviewed for this review thought that progress to date has been generally effective, given the relative short period of time since the Culture Review was finalised and implementation commenced.
“The report indicates that implementation of the 20 recommendations is tracking well, particularly those areas that are in the control of the individual arms of the health system.
“Mr Reid found that the whole-of-system recommendations have not progressed at the same pace, and this work will require an increased focus over the next year.
“Pleasingly, the report has highlighted a marked shift in a number of areas across the health system, with almost all members of the Oversight Group reporting some evident improvement in addressing bullying and harassment, executive leadership and human resource functions.
“I am pleased that this report has confirmed we are heading in the right direction, but I know there remains more to do. Cultural change takes time and requires sustained effort over several years.
“Across the ACT public health system, we remain committed to achieving real cultural change, and I look forward to continuing to work with system leaders, staff, consumers and all stakeholders to deliver on the full intent of the Culture Review.
“I thank everyone across the ACT public health system for their commitment to developing initiatives and approaches to support positive culture change, recognising that this will benefit the entire health workforce, as well as patients and their families and carers,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases