June 17, 2015

Changes to Ashburton and Rural Health Services

Canterbury DHB is proceeding with changes to the leadership of Ashburton and Rural Health Services following consultation with staff during April and May.

The DHB received 20 responses on its Proposal for Change document, released to staff on April 15, to change the existing leadership structure for Ashburton and Rural Health Services so that Ashburton leadership can focus on Ashburton, and allow other rural areas to concentrate on health services, relevant and responsive to their areas and communities.

Michael Frampton Canterbury DHB General Manager - People and Capability, says feedback received on the proposal has been carefully considered and the DHB has made a decision to proceed.

“We are grateful for the time and effort staff have invested in responding but also want to acknowledge that, like with any change, it will bring uncertainty for some staff more than others,” Michael says.

He says Canterbury DHB’s investment in new facilities, models of care and workforce development and the need for locally focused and integrated health services in each rural area, has driven these changes.

“There’s a strong need for the Canterbury DHB to better connect with local communities to identify fit-for-purpose solutions to the health needs for each rural area,” Michael says.

“We don’t know what the outcome of the transition programme will be for each particular community but have made a commitment to engage with the community, health service providers and staff as we work through the process.”

Michael says roles are expected to continue to evolve as the rural communities and health systems are better understood.

The changes will mean the current vacant role of ‘General Manager – Ashburton and Rural Health Services’ is disestablished and a new role of ‘Ashburton Health Services Manager’ will be created.

The proposed role of ‘Finance Manager – Rural Health Services’ will be modified to include business project management responsibilities and titled ‘Finance and Business Manager – Rural Health Services’.

The role of ‘Transition Programme Manager – Rural Health Services’ will be created. This role will be based in Christchurch but will spend most of their time in Kaikoura in the initial months.

“This is to ensure effective connections with Canterbury DHB, supports and rural communities are maintained and because the role is likely to include a temporary responsibility of ‘Transition Manager – Kaikoura Health Services’,” Michael says.

The Position of Operations/Finance Manager Ashburton and Rural Health Services will be disestablished from July 31, 2015.

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