NSW Medical Staff Executive Council
Meeting Minutes - November 2025 (Draft)
Attendees
1. Opening and Welcome
Dr Setthy Ung opened the meeting at 7:30pm and welcomed all attendees via Teams.
2. Confirmation of Previous Minutes
The minutes from the October 2025 meeting were confirmed without amendment.
3. Action Items from Ministry Meeting
The executive committee met with NSW Health Ministry representatives on 15th November 2025. Key outcomes and action items were discussed:
Medical Workforce Strategy
Ministry committed to developing a comprehensive medical workforce strategy addressing recruitment and retention challenges in rural and regional areas. Draft strategy to be shared with NSW MSEC for consultation by Q1 2026.
Clinical Governance Framework
Ministry acknowledged the need for enhanced clinical governance frameworks across LHDs. Working group to be established with NSW MSEC representation to review current frameworks and propose improvements.
Credentialing and Scope of Practice
Discussion regarding standardization of credentialing processes across LHDs. Ministry agreed to review current variations and work toward greater consistency while respecting local contexts.
4. Business Arising
4.1 Rural Medical Workforce
Dr Randall Greenberg provided update on rural workforce challenges in Western NSW LHD. Discussion focused on innovative recruitment strategies and retention initiatives. NSW MSEC to develop position paper on rural workforce sustainability.
4.2 Junior Medical Officer Support
Dr Niamh Holland-Brown reported on JMO welfare concerns raised at several MSCs. Mental health support, supervision quality, and training opportunities identified as key areas requiring attention.
4.3 Digital Health Implementation
Update provided on electronic medical record rollout across LHDs. Concerns raised regarding consultation with clinical staff during implementation. NSW MSEC to request greater clinical involvement in digital health decision-making.
5. Standing Agenda Items
5.1 LHD Reports
Representatives from each LHD provided brief updates on local MSC activities and concerns. Key themes included:
- Ongoing bed pressures and ramping concerns across multiple sites
- Medical staff engagement in service planning and redesign
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- Facilities and equipment maintenance issues
5.2 Advocacy Priorities
Council reviewed current advocacy priorities and agreed to focus on:
- Medical workforce planning and sustainability
- Clinical governance and quality improvement
- Professional development and training support
- Clinician wellbeing and workplace culture
6. Business Without Notice
Dr Andrew Miller raised concerns regarding recent changes to on-call arrangements in Northern NSW LHD. Matter to be followed up with Ministry representatives.
7. Action Items Summary
| Action Item | Responsible | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Draft position paper on rural medical workforce sustainability | Dr Randall Greenberg & Executive Committee | February 2026 |
| Request Ministry consultation on digital health implementation processes | Dr Setthy Ung (Chair) | December 2025 |
| Follow up on Northern NSW on-call arrangement concerns | Dr Louise Imlay-Gillespie (Deputy Chair) | December 2025 |
| Compile JMO welfare concerns for submission to Ministry | Dr Niamh Holland-Brown | January 2026 |
| Review advocacy priorities and develop 2026 strategic plan | Executive Committee | February 2026 |
8. Next Meeting
The next NSW MSEC meeting will be held on Monday, 9th February 2026 at 7:30pm via Teams.
9. Close
Meeting closed at 9:15pm.