Tasmanian Health Minister Michael Ferguson has dismissed concerns the state’s health system lacks strong leadership because two senior positions are yet to be filled.
The Tasmanian branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) said it was worried the new Tasmanian Health Service (THS) still did not have a CEO, as the State Government readied to implement its major shake up of hospitals.
The Health Department also needs a new Secretary.
Tim Greenaway from Tasmania’s AMA said he supported the process but was worried about a lack of leadership, in particular at the top of the new THS.
“There has been no announcement of even a short list of candidates for the CEO of the Tasmania health system,” he said.
It’s the case that we are looking for a permanent CEO and we look forward to governing council’s recommendations on that.
Health Minister Michael Ferguson
“There is still no confirmation, for example, of the acting secretary’s position.
“There’s also been no clinical governance framework set up for the Tasmanian Health System.”
The State Government announced the changes earlier this year as part of a plan to rationalise hospital services in efforts to improve health care.
Mr Ferguson said he was confident the current leadership structure was strong enough.
“It’s important for me to emphasise here that we do have strong leadership across the health system and stable leadership,” he said.
“It’s the case that we are looking for a permanent CEO and we look forward to governing council’s recommendations on that.”
The Health Minister said he was expecting an implementation plan for the hospital changes by the end of September.