Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch has welcomed the appointment of a Deputy Secretary for Regional Health for the first time in NSW.
Tesch said the creation of the role fulfills an election commitment to ensure regional health issues remained front and centre of the decision-making process within the Ministry of Health.
Former Co-ordinator General, Regional Health Division at NSW Health, Luke Sloane, has been elevated to the new role.
“The new Deputy Secretary for Regional Health will work closely with the Ministry of Health, regional Local Health Districts, including our own Central Coast Local Health District, and stakeholders to progress initiatives already underway,” Tesch said.
“I welcome him to our region and look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Sloane to see improved health outcomes for the Central Coast.”
Sloane will be supported by the Regional Health Division, which was established in April 2022 and is working to strengthen and promote regionally-based, patient-centred approaches to the delivery of health services in regional NSW including on the Coast.
He will provide coverage to Central Coast Local Health District as well as eight other regional Local Health Districts – Far West; Hunter New England; Illawarra Shoalhaven; Mid North Coast; Murrumbidgee; Northern NSW; Southern NSW; and Western NSW.
Sloane said the Regional Health Division had accomplished significant milestones, including the Regional Health Strategic Plan 2022-2032 and NSW Health’s commitment to the NSW Rural Health Inquiry.
“Over the past year, I’ve travelled to all parts of regional NSW to see and hear the challenges faced by communities when it comes to accessing the quality health care they deserve,” he said.
“I’m confident as we continue to implement the recommendations of the NSW Rural Health Inquiry we will continue to see meaningful improvements in the provision of health care services to these important communities.”
Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said he was determined to tackle some of the key healthcare issues facing regional communities, including prioritising the regional health workforce.
“The Deputy Secretary for Regional Health will play an important role in this as a strong advocate for resources and staffing at the decision-making table,” Park said.
“Luke Sloane has demonstrated his dedication to improving health outcomes and access to health services for people living in regional, rural and remote NSW, while leading the Regional Health Division.”
Source:
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch