Lucy Turnbull kickstarts fresh thinking for WSLHD Board

Corporate heavyweight and philanthropist Lucy Turnbull AO has helped Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) Board breathe new life into the future of health in Western Sydney.    

Lucy Turnbull, who is the chief commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission and wife of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull,  joined Clinical Excellence Commission chief executive Carrie Marr as guest speakers at the annual board planning event hosted at the Park Royal Parramatta last week.

Board chair Richard Alcock said a number of stimulating presentations left everyone inspired about the future of WSLHD, one of which included a presentation by Ministry of Health Executive Director Ray Messom on upcoming co-commissioning opportunities for integrated care.

“This strategy day is one of the most important days for the year for us,” Richard said.

“All 13 of our board members came together to plan our business. We looked at the performance of the organisation and the projects that will be our focus over the next eighteen months.”

Lucy Turnbull highlighted the importance of ‘health precincts’ in improving jobs and the welfare of the community, and how precincts are key drivers of growth. Lucy also highlighted the value of ‘walkability’ in precincts, promoting healthy lifestyles.

Lucy’s views were a timely contribution towards the planning of Westmead’s health precinct currently being developed – one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia.

Other presentations included board member Mick Reid’s ‘horizon scanning’ presentation which highlighted health challenges over the next 18 months and Professor Jeremy Chapman led a discussion on the upcoming Rouse Hill Hospital development.

WSLHD board member Professor Don Nutbeam outlined the WSLHD plan for research, including nursing and allied health. A key focus was translational research and how we can take research from ‘the bench to the bed’.

WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy presented on his key priorities for the organisation, including his focus on improved workplace culture and the development of a culture strategy.

Richard said it was energising to see everyone working towards common goals.

“It was great to see everyone anticipating the future and working out how we can position our local health district’s service for the community,” Richard said.

“Graeme Loy highlighted the work being done in relation to the clinical leadership of the district too. We want our clinicians to be much more active participants in the planning and managing of our business through the clinical council.

“This will be bolstered by the work being carried out by the chief executive in relation to improving organisational culture.

“Good culture and leadership is something that keeps coming up in all of our discussions.”  

The board took a moment at the event to acknowledge those with links to Western Sydney Local Health District who were awarded with Queen’s Birthday honours this week.