NSQHS Standard 1: Governance for Safety and Quality in Health Service Organisations Governance and quality Board roles improvement systems Design and endorse a governance • Governance and leadership system that will enable the board to (Standard 1, Item 1.1: Implementing monitor, review and evaluate all aspects a governance system) of organisational performance and direct the senior executive on systems A health service governance system organisation’s to be implemented when changes is an important element in safeguarding and are required. improving the safety and quality of care. Evidence links high performance of health service Take the lead on setting the • organisations to effective governance systems.1 safety and quality culture. organisation’s The board of a health service organisation is Take ultimate responsibility for the • responsible for: safety and quality performance of the health service organisation. governing all domains of organisational • activity in that health service, including business performance, human resources management, information technology, work health and safety, and the safety and quality of the services the organisation delivers; and setting the quality improvement • organisation’s and risk management culture. The ultimate responsibility for ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the governance system rests with the governing body.2 A role is to board’s oversee management, not to manage.3 The board may require the organisation to establish committees or groups to support its work. These groups may address issues within the organisation such as: audit and risk processes • the safety and quality framework • consumer advisory processes • clinical governance responsibilities. • The board will need to ensure these processes are integrated and collaborative. One way of achieving this may be through board representation on these groups.
NSQHS Standard 1: Governance for Safety and Quality in Health Service Organisations Governance and quality improvement systems Governance and leadership (Standard 1, Item 1.1: Implementing a governance system) A health service organisation’s governance system is an important element in safeguarding and improving the safety and quality of care. Evidence links high performance of health service organisations to effective governance systems.1 The board of a health service organisation is responsible for: • governing all domains of organisational activity in that health service, including business performance, human resources management, information technology, work health and safety, and the safety and quality of the services the organisation delivers; and • setting the organisation’s quality improvement and risk management culture. The ultimate responsibility for ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the governance system rests with the governing body.2 A board’s role is to oversee management, not to manage.3 The board may require the organisation to establish committees or groups to support its work. These groups may address issues within the organisation such as: • audit and risk processes • the safety and quality framework • consumer advisory processes • clinical governance responsibilities. The board will need to ensure these processes are integrated and collaborative. One way of achieving this may be through board representation on these groups. Board roles • Design and endorse a governance system that will enable the board to monitor, review and evaluate all aspects of organisational performance and direct the senior executive on systems to be implemented when changes are required. • Take the lead on setting the organisation’s safety and quality culture. • Take ultimate responsibility for the safety and quality performance of the health service organisation.
Guide-to-the-National-Safety-and-Quality-Health-Service-Standards-for-health-service-organisation-boards.docx