Jim McGowan AM, Board Chair

The Metro North Board meeting on 22/2/22 was the first meeting at which Jackie Hanson attended as the substantive Chief Executive. Congratulations again, Jackie.

The Board has reflected on where we need to focus in 2022. The priorities which were identified are outlined below:

1. 1. The management of COVID and the transition to business as usual.
   2. Safety and quality as our core obligation. Out of adversity comes opportunity and that opportunity has been grasped through the implementation of the recommendations from the Caboolture Surgical Review. That has had a real impact, not just at Caboolture but across the whole of Metro North, with significant improvements in our safety and quality processes and governance. We have an opportunity to showcase those improvements across QH. The Board congratulates all involved. However, the substantive benefits come not from changing process but in changing behaviours and that will remain an ongoing challenge.Safety and quality are not only the core values for our clinical areas but are values relevant to all staff whatever their role and work area.

      Directly related to our enduring focus on safety and quality is the need to roll out ieMR across the service. We will continue to strongly pursue this issue. We need a commitment to the roll out and a timeframe for its implementation.

      1. Maintenance of our clinical and financial performance. This is a foundation requirement for the patients and consumers we serve but our strong financial performance allows Metro North to invest in medical innovation and research, technology and expand our services.
      2. The Health Equity strategy. It is important that Metro North finalise our own strategy and maintain a lead role across the SEQ HHSs in order to meet our obligations to our First Nations people.
      3. Hospital (and Health Services) Reform. Former Chief Executive Shaun Drummond is leading this program for QH. We cannot continue to do the things that we have done in the past in the ways in which we have done them. The demand pressures will overwhelm us and the system. We need to be an early adopter of the range of new models of care and expand existing innovative practices. Shaun is committed to a clinician-led approach to the reform process. Dr Liz Whiting will join his team. Technology will be a key enabler of these changes. Community based services will be important.
      4. Mental Health. The Board recognises the importance of expanding community mental services, including more suitable accommodation facilities. We have an obligation to influence alternative models of care and Government funding levels. We are committed to “volunteering” for initiatives and pilot programs.
      5. Infrastructure projects. Metro North has a massive agenda in this space with priorities around the:
      6. Business cases development for Redcliffe, TPCH and RBWH
      7. Construction of the 3 Satellite hospitals
      8. Expansion of Mental health accommodation.
      9. MN32 Strategy. We have a long-term plan. Included in that plan is the objective to position Metro North as a leader in medical research and innovation though engagement with universities, other research organisations, other health providers (eg IUIH), the private sector and importantly our Foundations. We will expand the Institute model. As a member of the RBWH Foundation, I had the privilege of listening to Professor Owen Ung on the objectives of the new Comprehensive Breast Cancer Institute. An exciting initiative with clear linkages to the other Institutes!

The Board also discussed the behavioural priorities which should strengthen our performance and the patient experience. They include:

1. 1. 1. Strengthening the role of consumers in their treatments and across Metro North.
      2. Working effectively across the health system and strengthening our relationships with primary care (GPs, IUIH and other AMSs, and NGOs), the PHN, Private Hospitals (acute care and mental health) and Aged care.
      3. Closing the Gap on health outcomes by listening to our First Nations partners and implementing specific actions to improve their health outcomes.
      4. Working effectively across the HHS boundaries and with QH (a network philosophy). We already provide services across the state and have a formal partnership with the Central West HHS. We have now a formal arrangement with the South West HHS to recruit graduate nurses who will spend at least a year in the bush before being guaranteed a position in Metro North. Congratulations to Alanna Geary, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, for driving this initiative which will clearly benefit both services.

      With Board members Nera Komaric and Professor Mary Louise Fleming and CE Jackie Hanson, I met with HR leaders on Wednesday 23 February to discuss their range of issues. With COVID restrictions lifting, we hope to re-institute these opportunities across the HHS.

      Quotes where Hope is the theme:

      “HOPE: Hold On, Pain Ends.” Source unknown, but I like it!

      “If you wish to succeed in life, make Perseverance your bosom friend, Experience your wise counsellor, Caution your elder [sibling], and Hope your guardian genius.” (Joseph Addison (1672-1719) English essayist, poet and playwright.)

      Regards,

      Jim McGowan AM
      Board Chair, Metro North HHS