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

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

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.

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.

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.