Governance review guides leadership and management of the NSW Health system

Following the amalgamation of the Area Health Services (AHSs) and removal of AHS boards, NSW Health engaged Nous to review and advise on the governance framework for the NSW health system.

Nous produced a Health Executive Accountabilities and Leadership Framework (HEALF) which identified the governance, management and accountabilities critical to the reformed health system. Key components of the project included: a first stage audit of the strategic and business plans within the AHSs and Statutory Health Corporations (SHCs); a review of global best practice in governance for health systems; identification of key areas requiring management within the health system; and identification of accountabilities within the system. The project required desk research, interviews and workshops – particularly with the Senior Executive Advisory Board. Nous drew on its extensive expertise in health, organisational design and governance and worked closely with senior executives in NSW Health.

The workshops provided an important mechanism to build consensus between the AHS/SHCs and the department around how the new system would work.