2019-20 Annual Report DHW

To:

Hon Stephen Wade MLC

Minister for Health and Wellbeing

This annual report will be presented to Parliament to meet the statutory reporting requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009, the Public Sector Regulations 2010 and the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 and the requirements of Premier and Cabinet Circular PC013 Annual Reporting.

This report is verified to be accurate for the purposes of annual reporting to the Parliament of South Australia. 

Submitted on behalf of the Department for Health and Wellbeing by:

Dr Christopher McGowan
Chief Executive
Signed: 30/09/2020

From the Chief Executive

The Department for Health and Wellbeing (the department) as system leader, is committed to supporting the delivery of high quality public health services. Safety, equity, access and responsiveness of services are areas of focus for operations and service delivery to benefit the health and wellbeing of all South Australians. Across the year, the department has continued to improve whole-of-system capability and performance through partnership and connectivity.

In 2020, COVID-19 has presented new challenges to health systems around the world. For SA Health as control leader during a pandemic, the commitment of every one of us, directly or indirectly, has been integral in the public health response. Work continues to focus on providing a rapid and effective response to existing and potential new cases, community safety and appropriate management plans for South Australia.

Working adaptively in a changing environment has resulted in the rapid design and implementation of a range of measures to deliver responsive, accessible and safe services.

Operating in an environment of pandemic challenges has also highlighted the importance of the department’s work to improve organisational culture, and address what matters most to staff. Working together and recognising the diversity of our shared skills, knowledge, and experience is essential to the success of the organisation.

Released in March 2020, the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2020-2025 identifies a clear vision and strategic focus on prevention, protection, innovation and sustaining SA Health services and care. It identifies immediate and long-term strategies for the next five years to ensure we invest in the right approaches, people, skills and opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of South Australians.

Continuing to demonstrate resilience and reflect on lessons learned under recent circumstances will prove invaluable as we strive for excellence across the system to meet future public health, technological, and economic challenges together.

Dr Christopher McGowan
Chief Executive
Department for Health and Wellbeing