Boards of directors of NSW public hospitals. Structure, role and composition

The literature suggests that hospital boards of directors have a dual role, of both representing the community's interests and providing management of the organisation. This research analyses the composition of boards of NSW public hospitals, to assess the extent to which their members do represent the communities they serve. The development of Area Health Services in NSW is outlined and the implications for the role and composition of the board. It is concluded that given the nature of this 'new' organisation and changes to the board structure, the role of the board will inevitably give emphasis to the management role.