Health Start Newsletter of the ACHSE Health Management Program
Issue 4		January 2006

1. ACHSE celebrates 30 years of the MTP
2. Health Start News
3. Comings and Goings
4. AHMTP Message Stick
5. A Management Trainee’s Perspective of the National Congress
6. Rural Study Tour
7. Aboriginal Health Management Workforce
8. Supervisor Profile - Mike Matthew, ACT Health

ACHSE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF THE MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM

Within an ever-changing health system it is encouraging for those of us entering the health sector to see that some things stay the same. In 2005 we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the ACHSE Management Training Program (MTP).

That’s not to say that the program has not changed over this time. It was originally the Balmain Hospital Training Program and evolved over the years to the Hornsby Hospital Administrative Training Program, which grew into the MTP and later the Aboriginal Health Management Training Program (AHMTP) was commenced. It seemed fitting for those who have been involved with the program to join together and celebrate the anniversary of this amazing achievement.

The celebrations for the program involved people from all the management programs with over 60 current and ex-trainees. The celebrations were held at Aesops Greek Restaurant on 2 September 2005 for a night of eating, drinking, dancing, catching up with old colleagues and, of course, plate breaking.

The evening was filled with the reminders of the past, including a wonderful pictorial history of the management programs. Sue Brockway provided an interesting overview of the history of the three management programs.

Our MC for the night, Warren Westcott, current State Director of the Program, did a wonderful job providing an insight into the history of the program and introducing our guest speakers, which included Neville Boyce, former CEO of Gosford Hospital and Central Coast Area Health Service. Neville reminisced about the early days of the MTP, which he was involved in with the late Stan Williams who started the Program. Geoff Workman, a former trainee, spoke about the Balmain Program. It was good to hear that Ken Boylan, who commenced the Balmain Program in 1965, is still well and going strong. We also heard from a former Aboriginal Health Management trainee, Scott Winch, who spoke about the history of the AHMTP and its importance to Aboriginal health and the health system.

As the evening concluded with dancing and the cathartic exercise of plate breaking, I realised what a wonderful opportunity it was for the current MTP and AHMTP trainees to learn about its history and to talk to those who created it. The evening was also a wonderful opportunity for ex-trainees to catch up with old friends. It was a night few of us will forget.

MTP and AHMTP trainees who attended the evening would like to thank the ACHSE for a glorious evening, especially Audrey Panetta, Sue Brockway, Zane Rice and all the others involved in organising this wonderful event, including the Organising Committee chaired by David Connell, former MTP trainee and current Treasurer of the NSW Branch of the College. 

The speeches and history of the Programs and more photos of the night are available from the ACHSE website www.achse.org.au/nsw

By Alison Cochrane (MTP 05-06)

HEALTH START NEWS

UK Update

Simone Proft, Jake Barling, Vanessa Evans and Anthony Clay went to Birmingham in 2005 as part of the Program with Birmingham University Hospital Trust and the South Birmingham Primary Care Trust. Simone and Jake are staying on in 2006 while Vanessa is returning to Australia as is Anthony, who has been appointed as a Research Manager, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney.

Lisa Cox and Mark Garrick who went in 2004 are still in Birmingham while Ana Do Vale who also went at that time and then went to St Thomas’/Guys Hospital, London, has returned to Sydney. Ana has been appointed to a position with the Greater Metropolitan Clinical Task Force.

The MTP trainees who are going to Birmingham in 2006 are Lisa Brady and Helen Smith. Congratulations to Lisa and Helen.

English NHS Trainees in NSW

Seven NHS Management trainees undertaking their three month elective placement in NSW attended the November Study Day. They joined in the discussion and added their perspective to the issues discussed. It is certainly good to have this relationship with the NHS MTP Program.

New Arrivals

• Lyndon Walsh (MTP 03-04) who now lives in Bernie, Tasmania, and his partner are expecting their first child in July.
• Rebecca Gardner (MTP 05-06) had a son, Patrick, in September. She will be resuming in the MTP in January at Lismore.
• Melanie Thomas (MTP 03-04) is expecting a baby in March.

Ex-trainees Annabelle Johnston (MTP 99-00) Catholic Health Care Services, Peter Johnson (MTP 78-79) Quality Performance Systems, Angela Magarry (MTP 93 /94) CEO, Australian Palliative Care Association, catch up at ACHSE Aged Care Seminar in November.

Recruitment to the 2006 MTP

The recruitment for the 2006 intake took place in October/November and was very successful. The standard of applicants was probably even higher than in the past. This was related to the provision of the Post Graduate Diploma in Health Management as part of the MTP Program as from 2006.

There are 29 trainees in the program in 2006, which is a record number, with 17 in first year. The Program is seen by the placement organisations as helping to provide for the future for the health management workforce. The workforce issues associated with managers in the Health industry have not been adequately addressed in the past and now many Area Health Services and the Health Department are seeing the necessity to address this through the MTP.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) provides the HSM Program

Following the calling of Expressions of Interest for the provision of a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management for the Management Training Program, CSU, Bathurst, has been selected by the Review Committee to provide the course for the next three years. The provision of the tertiary course brings the MTP into line with all other entry level Health Management Training Programs of this type.

A/Prof Peter O’Meara who coordinates the HSM Program presented an excellent proposal which included providing presentations at the MTP monthly Study Days. We look forward to working with CSU.

We would also like to thank University of New England for supporting the AHMTP with the Post Graduate Diploma in HSM since its inception in 1997.

The 2004-05 Cohort completes the Program

The 2004-05 cohort relax after the December Study Day

The following trainees completed the Program:

• Lisa Brady
• Jared Brown
• Amelia Buchanan
• Matthew Cole
• Darren Green (AHMTP and MTP)
• Wendy Mason
• Belinda Pond
• Helen Smith
• Nik Todorovski
• John Tran
• Donna Cruikshank (AHMTP)
• Richards Widders (AHMTP)

Congratulations to the trainees and all the best for their future careers.

Commonwealth Games Representative?

Matthew Cole (MTP 04-05) (second from the right, back row in picture above) is in heavy training for the Commonwealth Games in the 800 metres track event. He is confident he can achieve the Games qualifying time at the National Meet in February. We are all hoping he can do it so we can cheer him on at the Melbourne Games.

Support for the Rural Chapters

The MTP trainees have been providing the secretariat support for the recently established rural Chapters of the College as follows:

• Monika George Greater Southern Chapter
• Helen Smith and Edwina Snowden Hunter New England Chapter
• Michelle Wypych Greater Western Chapter

Without this assistance the Chapters wouldn’t have been as successful as they were in 2005. Lisa Brady also assisted the ACT Branch of the College while she was in Canberra. Thanks trainees.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Health Start has been keeping in touch with past trainees of the MTP and AHMTP. The following former trainees have recently changed positions:

• Tracey Hutt (MTP 92-93) National Development Manager - Hospitals, Compass Group
• Bill Morfis (MTP 88-89) Director of Finance, Sydney West Area Health Service
• Sara Dent (MTP 02-03) has left Sydney and moved to the Sunshine Coast
• Anne Zarb (MTP 02-03) Manager, Clinical Training Unit, Postgraduate Medical Council
• Kate Middleton (nee Denney) (MTP 00-01) Program Manager, Medical Training and Education Council
• Clare McCarthy (nee Baulman) (MTP 01-02) National Clinical Adviser, Health Development Unit, Medibank Private, Melbourne
• Sean Appoo (AHMTP 03-04) Project Officer, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC)
• Darren Green (AHMTP/MTP 04-05) Policy Officer, Sexual Health, AHMRC 
• Nik Todorovski (MTP 04-05) Project Officer, Royal Australian College of Physicians
• Belinda Pond (MTP 04-05) Project Coordinator, Royal Australian College of Physicians
• Amelia Buchanan (MTP 04-05) is staying with Ramsay Health Care for a further 12 months.
• John Tran (04-05) Acting Business Manager, Oral Health, Sydney West Area Health Service
• Wendy Mason (04-05) Acting Business Manager, Lismore Base Hospital

Keep Health Start up to date on any changes for former trainees by contacting Warren on wwestcot@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

AHMTP MESSAGE STICK

Initially we decided to do a piece on ‘Cultural Profiling’, an emerging health process for communities to aid in the protection of not only its individuals but also its environment.

In this sense we can see the importance placed on the historical background of a given community, its population and environment. We as Aboriginal trainees in the field of health management and applying a holistic approach to health can see the value of such a program, as we view Aboriginal health as truly unique in its methods and approaches.

As stated, this was to be the original theme for the article, but true to this cohort’s form we have decided to deviate and pay a brief tribute to the AHMTP, the coordinators, UNE lecturers, support staff, placements and fellow trainees over the past two years.

In our last article the Aboriginal Health Management trainees were concerned and disillusioned with the decision by the powers that be to withdraw funding from a program which, as we see it, appeared to address the gaps in the management of Aboriginal health.

From this negative, we were very happy but not surprised that the ACHSE has, as it has done in many areas of health management, picked up the slack and offered placements identified for aspiring Aboriginal health managers.

So it is our pleasure to name names;

• ACHSE mob - Zane Rice, Warren Westcott, Audrey Panetta, Sue Brockway, the gang in the NSEC kitchen (yum), and invited guest speakers at the Study Days.
  
• UNE mob - David Briggs, Mary Ditton, Jeanne Madison, Lyn Irwin, Anne Eckermann.
  
• Placements - North Coast Area Health Service, Durri AMS, Greater West Area Health Service, Hunter New England Area Health Service, Former South West Sydney Area Health Service, Condobolin AMS, NSW Ambulance Service, NSW Department of Health and other departments in which we have ‘served time’.

Visit to Bathurst Gaol

And last but not least…..2003, 2004, 2005 MTP and AHMTP mob, we appreciate and value the experience you have brought and imparted to us, and sincerely hope we have offered some semblance of the same to you all.

We would like to give a special mention to our fellow 2004 MTP cohort, your openness in being so willing to accept and compliment the differences in our programs and our cultural issues in relation to Aboriginal health was pivotal to our success. We felt our cohorts were about us and not the ‘them and us’ mentality. As future managers in health, you have displayed maturity in acceptance and understanding of Aboriginal issues lost on most in the general population.

So it is not with sadness but pride in ourselves and our peers that we sign off with the final article of the AHMTP, a program that has truly been educational, eye-opening, challenging but most of all an overall pleasure to be a part of…….to you all THANK YOU.

By Donna Cruickshank, Richard Widders and Darren Green (AHMTP 04-05)

A MANAGEMENT TRAINEE’S PERSPECTIVE OF THE ACHSE NATIONAL CONGRESS

As an ACHSE management trainee, in just under two years I have worked for 10 different departments, within two organisations in different states of Australia. Apart from quickly establishing that ‘change is the only constant’ in the health sector, it has brought to my attention the ‘silo’ mentality that exists between the different sectors, at all levels, of the health system.

Trainees in the ACHSE Management Training Program frequently use each other as a network to access information from different segments of the health system, to gain new ideas, refine processes and avoid ‘reinventing the wheel’. This simple example of collaboration brings benefit to both the individual and the organisation. Given the advantages partnerships offer, I have often wondered why they are not utilised more within the health sector.

When I saw the theme for the ACHSE National Congress 2005 was "Partnerships - the Synergies for Reform", I was keen to hear what would be discussed and, thanks to a scholarship received from the ACHSE ACT Branch, I was privileged to attend. With 12 sessions including presentations, forums and a hypothetical, the National Congress provided a lot of valuable information. As management trainees, we have studied much theory surrounding ‘best health management practice’, but often lack first hand experience of how to implement the theory in the workplace, or the consequences of ignoring it. So for me, there were some ideas presented and lessons learnt that particularly stood out.

‘Considering boob tubes and other seamless garments don’t suit everyone’ - Dr David Panther, Chief Executive Central Northern Adelaide Health Service, suggested we review the aim of a ‘seamless health system’. Instead, like with a well-fitting tailored shirt, he encouraged us to focus on clearly defining the seams, for example identifying the transition points and then developing strategies to prevent people falling between the cracks.

Dr Russell Lester, GP and Consultant Medical Officer in the UK, also spoke of focusing on ‘interconnection’ rather than ‘integration’ between the different sectors and social determinants of health.

Lack of funding for community care was highlighted as a key issue, and the need to strengthen the importance placed on community care by the community and politicians was raised. As politicians often respond to and reach the community through the media, the media’s limited focus on heath (predominantly on hospitals) was seen as a major barrier. It was agreed that Health Managers must educate and work with the media to broaden their coverage of health and/or direct their focus.

Dr Man Yung Cheng, Deputy Director Hong Kong Hospital Authority, mentioned that until the recent SARS outbreak, Hong Kong had not considered the value of health partnerships with China. When they began drawing on China’s SARS outbreak management experience, Hong Kong realised that they could have been better prepared had partnerships and information sharing existed prior to their outbreak. I believe this lesson is particularly relevant, considering the recent avian influenza outbreaks in Indonesia.

As the National Congress was drawn to a close, we were asked to think about how we, as individuals, would implement our Congress learnings back in the workplace. I would encourage you all to think about how you can develop partnerships and utilise them as synergies for reform.

Lisa Brady (MTP 04-05)

MTP/AHMTP RURAL STUDY TOUR 2005

This year the Rural Study Tour (RST) visited the Greater Western Area Health Service over the period 14-16 September. Trainees visited a range of health care facilities starting in Dubbo and travelling to Wellington then Bathurst. This proved to be an excellent opportunity for trainees to comprehend some of the major contemporary health care issues facing these areas.

The first facility visited was Dubbo Base Hospital where trainees listened to two executive presentations by Linda Cutler, Director of Clinical Operations and Jenny McParlane, Director of Workforce Development. Following this the trainees were given a tour of the hospital by Peter Woodward and Lorna Dicks.

The second day trainees awoke at what would appear to some the crack of dawn, to travel to Dubbo Western Plains Zoo. The zoo proved to be quite popular and it was decided whilst queuing amongst approximately 50 cars it would be best to travel straight to Wellington. Trainees were greeted at Wellington Health Service by Mark Harris, Health Service Manager who discussed the various services provided at the 33-bed hospital and the issues affecting the delivery of services such as VMO recruitment and population changes.

Moving on, the trainees travelled to the Wellington Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) where they were provided with a BBQ lunch and presented with an overview of the achievements and challenges of the AMS by Darren Ah See, Chief Executive Officer. Trainees were then given a tour of the service as well as a site visit to the Nanima Reserve where we visited the Child Care Centre, which was a real highlight.

Departing Wellington, trainees travelled to Bathurst to visit the Macquarie Care Centre (MCC), an Aged Care facility operated by Catholic Health Care Services. Upon arrival, Sharon Ryan, Director of Care presented trainees with an overview of how the MCC provides care to high dependency aged and dementia sufferers. The trainees toured the 55-bed facility before indulging in a yummy afternoon tea featuring the best mars bar slice known to mankind.

The next morning entailed a visit to the Bathurst Ambulance Station where Steve Karger, Acting Assistant Operations Manager gave trainees a tour of the facility and discussed issues such as the provision of emergency care, staff training and speciality services.

The final visit was to Bathurst Gaol where trainees were given a guided tour of the gaol’s health facilities and a prison cell. This was an eye-opening experience for trainees.

In true spirit, many trainees continued to expand their knowledge base whilst in the above areas by visiting local karaoke bars, pubs and clubs. All in all the RST proved to be more than a great educational experience, it was an opportunity to get to know one another and form friendships.

The RST Working Party did a fantastic job in organising the event and a warm thank you is extended to Wendy Mason as coordinator and the following members: Zane Rice, Nik Todorovski, Helen Smith, Richard Widders, Matthew Cole, Connie Porter, Michelle Wypych and Rebecca Gardner. And last but not least, a special thank you to our driver Richard Widders, who patiently tolerated the numerous unscheduled toilet and food stops, and our annoying “are we there yet” queries.

Emma Kornacki (MTP 05-06)

ABORIGINAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT WORKFORCE – THE FUTURE

In 1999-2001, the life expectancy of Aboriginal males and females was estimated to be about 20 years less than the general population. A competent health workforce is essential to ensure the delivery of primary health care is able to meet the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to help redress the health inequities.

In NSW, at least 46 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) provide comprehensive medical care. The ACCHS sector is the single greatest non-government employer of Aboriginal people in Australia, as 67% of staff are Aboriginal. The role of the Chief Executive and other managers of the AMSs is crucial to the success of these organisations. In some cases lack of management training for the CEO and other managerial staff has contributed to the closure or near closure of some ACCHSs in recent years.

Managers of ACCHSs have two distinct roles:

• Dealing with the community and their needs within and outside the workplace; and
• Meeting the funding and bureaucratic obligations of government.

The other major employer of Aboriginal people is the NSW Health Department, which also has an Aboriginal Health Unit in each Area Health Service. The NSW Health Department has directed its Area Health Services to comply with its Aboriginal Employment Strategy, which provides a framework for NSW Health Services to meet the NSW Government’s policy of achieving a 2% representation of Aboriginal people across the public sector. In reality, Aboriginals represent 1.4% of the entire NSW health system workforce, which includes the ACCHS and private sectors (ABS Report 2004). Only 4% of the Aboriginal workforce are Managers or Administrators.

There is a need for a critical mass of Aboriginal leaders, managers and other health professionals equipped with knowledge and skills to support Aboriginal communities. Also, Aboriginal role models are needed in both NSW Health and ACCHS sectors to develop the overall capacity of the community. However, the resources, training and development, and service available to Aboriginal Health Service Managers (HSMs) and those aspiring to be Managers is limited.

The AHMTP was introduced in 1997. This program was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, OATSIH Branch and other Government departments. The AHMTP succeeded in graduating 29 trainees, 20 with a Post Graduate Certificate or Diploma in HSM. In 2005 OATSIH withdrew funding from the AHMTP to concentrate on providing national initiatives such as the Dr Puggy Hunter Scholarships. However, successful scholarship applicants must study full-time, resulting in employed persons not being eligible to participate. The ACHSE and AH&MRC maintain that it is important to provide appropriate full time work experience in a Health Management Program to gain management competence.

The ACHSE has therefore negotiated with the NSW Health Department for Area Health Services to provide a number of placements in the ACHSE MTP for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This has led to four Aboriginal trainees being placed in the MTP in 2006. This is a small but significant program to help address the need for qualified managers for Aboriginal Health services both in government operated services and community controlled Aboriginal Health Services.

Zane Rice, AHMTP Coordinator

SUPERVISOR PROFILE - MIKE MATTHEW, ACT HEALTH

Interview with Trainee Supervisor, Mike Matthew, Manager Human Resources Development, ACT Health

Mike Matthew has been involved in the ACHSE MTP program since 2002 and has supervised four trainees. In 2005 Mike supervised Lisa Brady (MTP 04-05).

1. A brief description of your role in the Staff Development Unit, ACT Health
My role is Manager, Human Resource Development. I have been fulfilling that role for the past four and a half years. My main role is focused on building the capacity of staff and promoting on-going learning within the organisation, including the co-ordination of leadership and management development programs.

2. What are the positives and negatives of your role?
I am fortunate to be working in a job where I am given clear direction but a lot of autonomy to be creative about the way I fulfil my responsibilities.

When I run up against a very difficult challenge or receive some constructive criticism, I always try to reflect on what I have done and think of ways to improve my behaviour or practice for the next time. I like to think that every event provides a learning opportunity and that any “negatives” actually provide greater learning opportunities than the “positives”.

3. Why did you choose this position?
I enjoy working in an organisation that is focussed on improving health and community care. I believe ACT Health has some very significant challenges but it has a lot of great people working here.

4. What are the qualities of a good manager?
I think that a good manager is someone who:

• Plans strategically
• Gives clear direction
• Makes the best use of available resources
• Delegates confidently
• Regularly monitors progress and provides feedback and;
• Has a dual focus on the task and people

5. Do you have any career advice to MTP trainees?
I believe that all trainees have a number of strengths that are displayed continually. I also believe many trainees have hidden strengths that they have not yet had a chance to demonstrate. They may lack a bit of confidence about practising these new skills and abilities, but I encourage them to always take the chance to have a go, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zone for a while. When taking such risks, remember to keep in touch with your network of colleagues, and use them as a support group.

6. What are the benefits of having an ACHSE trainee?
We learn so much from the skills, experience, enthusiasm and creative ideas from the MTP trainees. A typical demonstration of their value to us is observed as each year progresses when many branches indicate they are keen to have the trainee for a placement. The MTP is a great program and attracts fantastic trainees.

Reuben Anthony (MTP 05-06)

Keep us posted...

Do you have any comments or articles you would like to submit to Health Start? If so, please contact us at the ACHSE (NSW Branch):

PO Box 341
North Ryde NSW 1670
Ph: (02) 9878 1222
Fax: (02) 9889 3099
Email: wwestcot@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au