The Queensland Government has today confirmed 91 appointments to 16 Hospital and Health Boards as part of its plan to put local doctors, nurses and allied health professionals back in charge of the future of the state’s hospitals.
For the first time, every Hospital and Health Board will include a frontline clinician currently working within the same Hospital and Health Service (HHS).
From the more than 1,000 applications received, 50 new members have been appointed to Hospital and Health Boards, alongside 41 reappointed members.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls said Queenslanders had voted for a fresh start that puts frontline expertise back at the centre of decision-making.
“Queenslanders were clear at the election – they wanted local doctors and nurses back shaping the future of our hospitals,” Minister Nicholls said.
“Local doctors, nurses and allied health professionals know their hospitals and they know their communities.
“Ensuring clinicians have a seat at the decision-making table will help deliver practical local solutions and keep our health services focused on the care Queenslanders need.
“This reform is an important step in delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s health system.
“Strong governance combined with frontline expertise will help strengthen our hospitals and rebuild community confidence.”
In June last year, the Government amended the Hospital and Health Board Act 2011 to require frontline HHS clinicians on each board.
Board appointments will take effect from 1 April, with all members required to comply with strict governance requirements, including declaring and managing conflicts of interest.
