Leadership for the Sustainability of the Health System: Part 2 - Key ...

ForewordI am pleased to present this three-part report on Leadership for the Sustainability of the HealthSystem. It addresses the challenges involved in improving and sustaining an effective health systemto meet the needs of the Australian community and makes recommendations for future activity.Health Workforce Australia (HWA) is an initiative of the Council of Australian Governments and hasbeen created as a cross-jurisdictional body operating in the government and non-governmenthealth sectors, as well as the higher education sector, to address Australia’s critical healthworkforce planning, training and reform challenges.In August 2011 the Ministers approved the National Health Workforce Innovation and ReformStrategic Framework for Action 2011–2015 1 . This policy framework will guide the innovations andreforms necessary to deliver a sustainable health workforce into the future. Leadership for theSustainability of the Health System is a key domain for action.At the national level there are major reforms foreshadowed or underway, and strong leadershipcapacity will be required to guide the workforce changes required to support national reforms.Effective leadership will build and support capacity for innovation and change.In order to ensure evidence-based approaches to its work in the leadership domain, HWAcommissioned a study to guide consideration of the priority steps. The report provides a thoughtfulanalysis of some the challenges faced by health leaders nationally and internationally.Recommendations include:improving the content, delivery and evaluation of current leadership development offeringsemphasising leadership at all organisational levels and in every area of health caresupporting the integration of both clinical and corporate leadership developmenttransforming organisational cultures to foster innovation, creativity and changethinking in system terms and engaging with others across sectors and jurisdictionsengaging with consumers, patients and communities as a critical part of systemimprovement.The report also highlights the need to increase the number of leadership developmentopportunities available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the health workforce. HWAis collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and key leaders to determinean appropriate course of action.1Health Workforce Australia (2011). National Health Workforce Innovation and Reform Strategic Framework for Action 2011-2015 Adelaide www.hwa.gov.auLeadership for the Sustainability of the Health System: Part 2 – Key Informant Interview ReportPage i