Strengthening health leadership to tackle health system challenges: reflections from our experience.

Aim: We aimed to describe the experience of strengthening leadership at a hospital to improve patient outcomes and staff satisfaction and wellbeing.

Method: Following a review of the Hutt Hospital Emergency Department, several actions were taken to strengthen the capacity, culture and leadership of the department. In addition, an organisation-wide values and culture exercise was undertaken. Senior clinical and non-clinical leaders were provided with interprofessional leadership training to foster shared understanding, strengthen relationships and promote practical application of learned skills.

Results: Subsequent external reviews of the emergency department documented a significant change in its culture and functioning; these changes have endured, and it is now a preferred place to train and work. Wider organisational leadership training was an essential part of creating a culture that valued staff and their wellbeing, and delivering better outcomes for patients. Involving local health system leaders, e.g., from primary care, provided significant additional value.

Conclusions: Healthcare organisations and the health system are complex and present a myriad of leadership challenges. Healthcare leaders need and deserve specific training and strong support to lead effectively. A focus on this is essential if New Zealand is to successfully address health system challenges, both old and emerging.