Whanganui District Health Board looks to cement clinical leaders across the DHB
 
4 February 2010
 
 
Whanganui District Health Board Chief Executive Julie Patterson has recently released a proposal that, if introduced, will strengthen the leadership role of the doctors, nurses and other health professionals across the organisation.
 
Over the last two years the DHB has undergone a lot of change directed towards improving the safety and quality of the services provided in Whanganui.
 
“We have established the Patient Safety Centre, strengthened the clinical advice available to managers, and put new clinical governance arrangements in place,” Mrs Patterson said.  “This proposal is the final step in facilitating strong clinical leadership across the organisation.
 
“Other changes in the proposal are intended to ensure that the Whanganui community receives the full benefits from the Government’s commitment to improving how the services work together, and getting services closer to people.”
 
Mrs Patterson acknowledged that whilst the majority of the changes proposed were not about making direct financial savings, she was taking the opportunity to consult with the staff on a ‘trimmed down’ executive management team in order to save money.
 
“Because our costs are still well above the funding available to Whanganui District Health Board it is vital that we look at improving productivity across our organisation,” Mrs Patterson said.
 
Staff forums are being held on the proposed changes and submissions close on 16 February 2011.
 
There will be no further comment until February 16.
 
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