SOUTH East Local Health Network chair Grant King has shared his vision for the Limestone Coast board as it prepares to become the new governing health body for the region in July.
Under a State Government restructure, 10 region-specific health networks were formed to replace Country Health SA in a bid to decentralise the public health system and return responsibility and accountability to a local level.
On June 30, Country Health SA will officially lose its function and the South East’s new governing body – led by Mr King – will take over.
Speaking at the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Wednesday, Mr King said he endeavoured to build community confidence in the region’s health system.
“I am really focused on making sure the community is on this journey with us and has confidence in the system moving forward,” Mr King said.
“I actually think comparatively speaking we have a good system, but it can be better.”
Recognising the region’s use of health services elsewhere in the state and across the border, Mr King said he hoped to create a seamless system.
“We need to work with those services to work out what it is they do well and what it is we do well, so we can swap and share those ideas,” Mr King said.
“From a South Australian point of view, all the boards want a seamless service, so we will not have competition between boards, but in saying that I will endeavour to make sure this region is catered for.”
Mr King expressed a desire to increase clinician engagement, identifying it as a critical area for progression of services.
He believed more could have been done in the past to create discussion with the health leadership cohort, clinicians and practitioners.
“There will be a requirement for new boards right across the framework to work closely with their clinicians, practitioners and specialists,” he said.
“This will allow us to get an understanding of what we are doing and get their support and input.”
Mr King said another area of focus would be the patient’s journey.
“I know this is important to people and I can understand the frustration of those who have to travel long distances to access services,” he said.
“There is a very strong focus going forward about treating people closer to home, particularly when it comes to aged care.”
Ultimately – through working closely with chief executive officer Ngaire Buchanan and the wider health network – Mr King said he hoped to provide a safe level of care in the Limestone Coast.
“Managing costs of the service will be important and safety and quality will help drive that,” he said.
