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Call for Board to get hospital back on track
AMA Victoria immediate Past President and Vice President, Dr Sam Lees tonight called on the State government to accelerate the advertising and appointment of the new Board for Sale Hospital.
Speaking at a community meeting highlighting issues at the hospital, Dr Lees said the priority for local doctors was the quality of health care they and their local hospital can provide the community.
Dr Lees said that despite public assurance by the Minister for Health that services would not be cut, doctors felt significant uncertainty about the future direction of health service delivery to the Sale community.
“There will always be suspicion while management is in the hands of an administrator, no matter how capable,” Dr Lees said.
“There will continue to be uncertainty and angst about the future of health services in Sale and similar rural townships across the state, while there is no Rural Health Plan, established in consultation with doctors and the community, defining the direction the government is taking in making decisions on health services.
“The governance of Victoria’s public hospitals very much relies on the oversight of Boards, ensuring transparency and accountability of decision making,” Dr Lees said.
“An effective Board seeks out and heeds the advice of the health professionals responsible for clinical service delivery.
“The success of major change at Sale Hospital hinges on meaningful consultation with the local community and doctors.
“It is extremely important to retain and attract skilled medical staff in rural Victoria, especially in high demand specialist areas.
“Maintaining an environment in which doctors are engaged and valued is critical to the sustainability of our rural and regional health system, and the health and welfare of rural communities such as Sale,” Dr Lees said.
He called on the hospital to consult further with local doctors before determining implementation of changes relating to patient care.
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