ROLE DESCRIPTION Role Title: Classification Code: LHN/ HN/ SAAS/ DHA: Hospital/ Service/ Cluster Division: Department/Section / Unit/ Ward: Role reports to: Role Created/ Reviewed Date:

Executive Director, Medical Services MD2

Chief Executive Officer July 2016

ROLE CONTEXT Purpose:

Background: SA Health is embarking on an ambitious transformation journey called Transforming Health, which is focused on delivering a step-change improvement in clinical quality while also reducing cost, avoiding approximately 2,000 unnecessary deaths and saving $900m over the next 4 years. The plan to deliver this transformation is complex, requiring simultaneous execution of a series of productivity and quality-focused initiatives, as well as reconfiguring where and how services are delivered across the system. To support the Transforming Health initiative, our Local Health Networks are pursuing clinical reform and innovation across their services, supported by strong clinical leadership in a range of business and clinical process improvement practices. Delivery of the highest standards of safe quality care necessitates that all elements of a robust clinical governance framework are in place, and significant work is being led to ensure this is in place and embedded systematically across SA Health’s diverse services. We are enabling a motivated and positive strategy of transformation to engage the hearts and minds of our people, so that we can deliver the highest standards of care in a way which is responsive to the community, and improves the health outcomes of our population in a sustainable way. SA Health is providing a key opportunity for enthusiastic and experienced medical leaders, who are passionate about transformational change, through the creation of strategy, clinical engagement and effective clinical governance to join our Executive Teams within the Local Health Networks.

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Primary Objectives:

The Executive Director, Medical Services (EDMS) is an integral member of the Senior Executive Leadership Team of each Local Health Network, responsible for leading the Network’s strategy, performance and culture so that it is a recognised leader in Australia for the provision of quality care. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the EDMS will provide the overall clinical vision and direction to the organisation, ensuring that the culture, clinical systems, and practices are aligned with, and facilitate the delivery of excellent, evidenced based safe, quality care. The EDMS will be responsible for the provision of expert medical advice and provision of authoritative medical administration services to the CEO. This includes credentialing and privileging and managing medico-legal matters. The EDMS will support the CEO in the design, delivery and review of the highest standards of medical engagement.

Direct Reports:

Each Local Health Network may have a different structure and team composition. Dependent upon the location of the appointment, the EDMS will be advised of the specific direct reporting structures.

Key Relationships/ Interactions:

The EDMS is accountable to the Chief Executive Officer. The position will have a close working relationship with all members of the Network Executive, and particularly other Professional Leads. The position will have close working relationships with senior officers across the Networks, the Department for Health and Ageing, and key community stakeholders, including universities and relevant professional associations.

Challenges associated with Role:

Major challenges currently associated with the role include:    

Operating successfully in a large and diverse organisation with a high community profile and responsibility for delivering a wide range of services and outcomes. Leading and implementing systemic change, as distinct from incremental change, by embedding sustainable quality improvement across all functions . Working successfully with a diverse range of stakeholders, with diverse views and competing interests. Ability to be influential within a matrix structure where combinations of direct and professional reporting relationships exist. 2 of 10

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Influencing and working with Clinical Directors to drive significant changes to clinical practice.

Delegations: Level 3

Resilience:

SA Health employees persevere to achieve goals, stay calm under pressure and are open to feedback. Performance Development

The incumbent will be required to participate in the organisation’s Performance Review & Development Program which will include a regular review of the incumbent’s performance against the responsibilities and key result areas associated with their position and a requirement to demonstrate appropriate behaviours which reflect a commitment to SA Health values and strategic directions.

General Requirements:

Managers and staff are required to work in accordance with the Code of Ethics for South Australian Public Sector, Policies and Procedures and legislative requirements including but not limited to: 

Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) and when relevant WHS Defined Officers must meet due diligence requirements.

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Meet immunisation requirements as outlined by the Immunisation Guidelines for Health Workers in South Australia 2010.

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Equal Employment Opportunities (including prevention of bullying, harassment and intimidation).

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Keeping Them Safe Legislation (inclusive of Mandatory Notifier).

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Disability Discrimination.

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Code of Fair Information Practice.

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Relevant Awards, Enterprise Agreements, Public Sector Act 2009, Health Care Act 2008, and the SA Health (Health Care Act) Human Resources Manual.

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Relevant Australian Standards.

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Duty to maintain confidentiality.

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Smoke Free Workplace.

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To value and respect the needs and contributions of SA Health Aboriginal staff and clients, and commit to the development of Aboriginal cultural competence across all SA Health practice and service delivery.

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Applying the principles of the South Australian Government’s Risk Management Policy to work as appropriate.

Handling of Official Information: By virtue of their duties, SA Health employees frequently access, otherwise deal with, and/or are aware of, information that needs to be treated as confidential. SA Health employees will not access or attempt to access official information, including confidential patient information other than in connection with the performance by them of their duties and/or as authorised. SA Health employees will not misuse information gained in their official capacity. SA Health employees will maintain the integrity and security of official or confidential information for which they are responsible. Employees will also ensure that the privacy of individuals is maintained and will only release or disclose information in accordance with relevant legislation, industrial instruments, policy, or lawful and reasonable direction.

Special Conditions:

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The position will be offered as a term appointment up to five years.

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The role may be offered on a full-time or part-time basis, depending upon the requirements of the Local Health Networks.

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Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Background Screening and National Criminal History Check obtained through the Screening and Licensing Unit, Department for Communities and Social Inclusion to be renewed every 3 years thereafter from date of issue.

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Depending on work requirements the incumbent may be transferred to other locations across SA Health to perform work appropriate to classification, skills and capabilities either on a permanent or temporary basis subject to relevant provisions of the Public Sector Act 2009 and/or the Health Care Act 2008.

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The incumbent may be required to participate in Counter Disaster activities including attendance, as required, at training programs and exercises to develop the necessary skills required to participate in responses in the event of a disaster and/or major incident.

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Some inter and intra state and overseas travel may be required.

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The position will be required to participate in the Executive on Call Roster and work across all sites of the Local Health Network.

Key Result Area and Responsibilities Key Result Areas

Major Responsibilities

Strategic Clinical Leadership and Governance

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Education

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Leadership in Quality, Safety and Risk

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Enable the development of an innovative and sustainable health service delivery system for the Network. Lead the development of the strategic directions and development of strategies to foster continuous improvement in Clinical services. Identify innovative approaches to the provision of health services and the achievement of effective health outcomes and alternatives within the priority areas. Lead and champion reform and innovation related to the adoption of evidence based practice and the opportunities arising from Transforming Health. With the support of relevant colleagues, define, agree and implement a medical workforce strategy to ensure that the LHN attracts, educates and retains the best medical workforce. Lead the creation of a culture of performance accountability, review and evaluation, feedback, team work, risk management, collaboration and continuous improvement. Lead the identification and implementation of evidence-based process and practice Ensure clinical services operate across inpatient, outpatient, community and home based settings. Foster partnerships between health care providers across a range of disciplines and services to enhance the capacity for multi-disciplinary care. Provide specialist medical services to clients and support clinical staff to assess and guide the management of complex cases, or provide a second consultant opinion. Contribute effectively to the teaching/training of undergraduate students and postgraduate medical trainees, and ensure the participation of others in teaching and mentoring programs. Lead and implement the medical education strategy within the Local Health Network to ensure it is fit for purpose, is an attraction tool and meets the objectives of the organisation. Develop and maintain a national and international profile in service provision, research and teaching Undertake executive responsibility for the governance of the capability, qualifications and standards of the medical workforce within the LHN. Ensure compliance with standards of practice, LHN policies and procedures. Create a climate of risk awareness. 5 of 10

Management

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Quality Improvement in line with National Standards

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Research and Innovation

Provide executive level strategic medical leadership that contributes to the provision of high quality medical services and expert advice across the LHN. Ensure effective and efficient clinical leadership of the LHN’s medical workforce and focuses on clinical education, professional standards and engagement. Work closely with the Strategic Executive team to ensure that medical education, development, practice and engagement are optimised and that strategic medical advice for strategic and operational plans is coordinated effectively. Ensure the delivery of the LHN’s Health Provision Agreement and all SAH strategic and reform programmes including Transforming Health and new RAH. Systematically identify, analyse, evaluate and address significant risks that might impact on service delivery. Ensure sentinel events, potential medical negligence claims and adverse patient incidents are reported and managed appropriately. Represent the LHN as required in state wide safety, quality and risk management initiatives. Participate in and provide support to staff in the Quality Improvement and Accreditation process. Formulate, implement and review clinical policies, procedures and local worksite instructions for the service. Maximise the participation of consumers and carers in the planning and evaluation of services. Evaluation and continuous improvement of work practices and services.

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Develop a research strategy which focuses on best care and translational research whilst supporting other research activities.

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Actively seek research and funded project opportunities and support staff in these activities.

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Lead the extensive research and innovation activities required within the Network and in partnership with other stakeholders.

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Foster recognition as a leader in growing research that is of relevance to the health and wellbeing of the people in South Australia.

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Ensure that the research agenda drives the planning and delivery of services and ensure active participation in the research activities, as well as the translation of outcomes.

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Ensure funding sustainability of the research effort and find new opportunities for investment.

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Promote all research activities and outcomes.

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Ensure transparency, inclusiveness and promotion of the research agenda including the monitoring of agreements.

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Knowledge, Skills and Experience ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

Appropriate Specialist Qualification for Consultant / Senior Consultant registrable as a Specialist with the Medical Board of South Australia

Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills:       

Established academic track record as well as experience in innovative and high quality contemporary service delivery Strong leadership skills with the ability to engage, motivate, build trust and inspire others to achieve objectives. Strategic foresight; ability to think strategically at a system wide level, with the ability to execute vision. A change leader, motivated by continuous improvement and able to drive transformational change Demonstrated ability to evaluate group and individual performance against agreed objectives. Exceptional communication and presentation skills Personal integrity and a strong reputation for ethical conduct

Experience       

Demonstrated executive level or senior experience in the provision of strategic health advice as it relates to implementing change. Experience in providing leadership to a complex multi-disciplinary organisation in a climate of continuing change, increasing the effectiveness and accountability of the organisation and/or programs. Experience in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of strategic plans, policies and strategies dealing with complex issues. Experience in the management of risk and increasing the effectiveness and accountability of risk management strategies and organisational operations. Experience in continuous improvement activities. Experience in the management of contracts. Demonstrated success in the effective management of human, financial and material resources

Knowledge      

Demonstrated knowledge of public health system operations, particularly as they related to acute and primary health care services across the continuum of care. An understanding of the emerging directions within health services, nationally and internationally. Knowledge of the political and socio-economic factors that impact on health services. Knowledge of the spirit and principles of the Premier’s Safety Commitment and the legislative requirements of the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act, utilising AS/NZ 4360 Risk Management or to an equivalent set of standards. Demonstrated knowledge of the National and State directions in relation to quality and safety.

DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS Educational/Vocational Qualifications

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Relevant postgraduate qualifications.

Experience   

Experience in representing the health sector across the continuum. Experience in planning workforce requirements. Experience with the provision of services that are inclusive of Aboriginal people and their culture and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Knowledge 

Understanding of ATSI / vulnerable populations’ health issues and effective population health, primary health, secondary and tertiary services.

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Organisational Context Organisational Overview: Our mission at SA Health is to lead and deliver a comprehensive and sustainable health system that aims to ensure healthier, longer and better lives for all South Australians. We will achieve our objectives by strengthening primary health care, enhancing hospital care, reforming mental health care and improving the health of Aboriginal people. SA Health is committed to a health system that produces positive health outcomes by focusing on health promotion, illness prevention and early intervention. We will work with other government agencies and the community to address the environmental, socioeconomic, biological and behavioural determinants of health, and to achieve equitable health outcomes for all South Australians Our Legal Entities: SA Health is the brand name for the health portfolio of services and agencies responsible to the Minister for Health and Ageing and the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse. The legal entities include but are not limited to Department for Health and Ageing, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Country Health SA Local Health Network and SA Ambulance Service. SA Health Challenges: The health system is facing the challenges of an ageing population, increased incidence of chronic disease, workforce shortages, and ageing infrastructure. The SA Health Care Plan has been developed to meet these challenges and ensure South Australian’s have access to the best available health care in hospitals, health care centres and through GPs and other providers.

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Values SA Health Values The values of SA Health are used to indicate the type of conduct required by our employees and the conduct that our customers can expect from our health service:  We are committed to the values of integrity, respect and accountability.  We value care, excellence, innovation, creativity, leadership and equity in health care provision and health outcomes.  We demonstrate our values in our interactions with others in SA Health, the community, and those for whom we care. 

SA Health acknowledges culture and identity as being integral to Aboriginal health and wellbeing and is committed to improving the health of Aboriginal people.

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SA Health vision for Reconciliation is the gap is closed on Aboriginal health disadvantage; and Aboriginal people share the same rights, respect and access to opportunities and benefits as all South Australians.

Code of Ethics The Code of Ethics for the South Australian Public Sector provides an ethical framework for the public sector and applies to all public service employees:     

Democratic Values - Helping the government, under the law to serve the people of South Australia. Service, Respect and Courtesy - Serving the people of South Australia. Honesty and Integrity- Acting at all times in such a way as to uphold the public trust. Accountability- Holding ourselves accountable for everything we do. Professional Conduct Standards- Exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct.

The Code recognises that some public sector employees are also bound by codes of conduct relevant to their profession.

Approvals Role Description Approval I acknowledge that the role I currently occupy has the delegated authority to authorise this document. Name:

Role Title:

Signature:

Date:

Role Acceptance Incumbent Acceptance I have read and understand the responsibilities associated with role, the role and organisational context and the values of SA Health as described within this document. Name:

Signature:

Date:

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