Southern DHB launches new programme to define future

Friday 18 December 2015

Southern DHB launches new programme to define future

Southern DHB today launched a programme aimed at establishing a shared vision of what Southern DHB should look like in the future. The programme, titled ‘Southern Future – it’s up to us’, will involve staff at first, and then patients, families, communities and other stakeholders to define Southern DHB’s future together.

“’Southern Future – it’s up to us’ is about spending some time defining how we want staff and patients to experience Southern DHB, and how we will work together,” said Southern DHB Chief Executive Carole Heatly.

Southern Future Launch 021

“Over the next three months we plan to listen to thousands of people to develop shared values and tangible behaviours that reflect what we want our future culture to look like in day-to-day interactions with patients and each other. These will allow us to see and recognise good practice, recruit new staff who live up to our values, make values-based decisions and measure how we are doing in delivering a great experience – for the people we care for, and all of the people who work in healthcare provision in our region.”

‘Southern Future – it’s up to us’ follows the release of Southern DHB’s Commissioner Team’s ‘Owning Our Future’ plan last month. The programme is a key initiative of the ‘Culture’ element at the heart of that plan.

“We want to create an ‘it’s up to us’ culture where we decide our own future,” said Deputy Commissioner Graham Crombie, who has been tasked with leading the ‘Culture’ work of that plan.

“We want staff and patients to have a great experience. And evidence shows that when they do, care is safer and better, and that high quality care costs less.”

The ‘Southern Future – it’s up to us’ programme will involve everyone – staff, patients, families, partner organisations, and communities across the Southern region. However, the initial focus of the programme, and today’s launch is on staff.

“Patients, families, communities and other stakeholders of Southern DHB are welcome to sit tight and wait to hear more early next year,” said Ms Heatly. “Everyone will have an opportunity to have their say and contribute to shaping our future.”

Members of the public who wanted to be involved immediately are able to complete a patient survey and register early for an event at next year’s sessions through Southern DHB’s website, www.southerndhb.govt.nz

ENDS

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