THE State Government has announced the make-up of the new regional health governing board, which will include representatives from the health and business sectors.
The South East Local Health Network (LHN) Governing Board will see the return of decision making in the region, which is a key policy reform driven by the Marshall Liberal Government.
Board members will include chair Grant King along with Wattle Range elected member Glenn Brown, who has a long history in regional health management and engagement.
Business person Lindy Cook – who was involved in the management of Blue Lake Milling in Bordertown and is a former registered nurse – will also take her seat at the table.
Other members include John Irving who is an experienced independent company director and chair, business advisor and mediator.
Mr Irving will bring commercial experience and corporate governance to the health governing board.
Dr Anne Johnson AM – who is widely renowned for her role in child injury prevention – has also been selected for the board.
Dr Johnson will bring significant community engagement and health governance skills to the new board.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew Saies – who works in private practice at SportsMed SA – will bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to the board.
In particular, he will offer clinic governance and commercial skills.
Health Minister Stephen Wade yesterday welcomed the appointment of the board, which he said was major step in devolving decision making and responsibility to a local level.
“The board members will use their experience to drive better planning, outcomes and healthcare for patients,” Mr Wade said.
“This is a significant milestone in moving towards fully operational governing boards which will empower our staff, hospitals and health services with more authority and accountability.”
Mr Wade said the LHN Boards would ensure health service decisions were tailored to “local needs” and delivered a safe, high quality and financially sustainable health system into the future.
“The boards will be accountable for making sure services deliver value for the taxpayer dollar,” he said.
“As with the governing board chairs, members will initially act in an advisory capacity until LHN governing boards become operational from July 1, 2019.”
Governing board chairs were appointed in 2018 in an advisory role to assist in the lead up to the LHNs and the boards becoming fully operational.
