NSW MSEC - Ministry of Health Meeting

Attendees

Minister's Opening

Seeking better strategy and engagement with MSCs; aiming to demonstrate and lead with proactive government that is a receptor.

Requesting of his team to being informed early of emerging trends or concerns at district or state level when these are at low level (2/10) prior to escalation and reaching magnitudes of '9/10'.

Health Secretary's Remarks

Open to be contacted directly by MSEC.

"Shaping the System" State-Wide Project to survey where and why communication works; and why it doesn't work. Clinical Lead appointed (this Houston) and nominated as point of contact soon to share solutions with the overall aim of correcting variability across the system. Keen to replicate successes across the system.

Concerns of instances of budget and system pressure misinformation between management and clinicians discussed. CFO been to all LHDs to articulate current picture.

Prior visits and further planned visits to facility MSCs by SP discussed. Engagement with AMA also discussed. LIG's interactions with MSC Chairs and MSC Chairs vs. Dr reach out to Regional Health Minister directly.

UD & LIG echoed that relationship is key to patient safety. Conversations outside conversation. Examples of positive as well as negative working relationships between MSCs & LHD Execs. Acknowledged MSCs of retribution (perceived or real) from LHD Execs when speaking up discussed. Secretary clear that open conversation and ability to freely discuss issues is key to patient safety.

MSEC Feedback

Acknowledged the opportunity to present to the Minister previously regarding Regional NSW MSEC Parliamentary Inquiry by NSW Health. However, the remaining recommendations are probably the more challenging ones still to be addressed, and which are desperately needed. Call for follow through on consultation with MSCs by rural workforce planners fed back with recommendation for relevant regional NSW LHD context to consult with rural MSC Chairs. LG to reach out to Regional Health Minister for more.

UD acknowledged challenges for MSC Chairs/ SMOs to ensuring good lines of communication and engagement within MSCs. MSCs are changing how and when the meet to optimise engagement with SMOs. However, acknowledgement that excellent clinical work doesn't necessarily correlate with managerial/ leadership strength. Strong clinical engagement requires strong clinical leadership at all levels of system. Need to have regular review of own positions with boards discussed. As secretary acknowledged further opportunities of leadership to breed depth in system.

MSEC Requests Tabled