Dr Matthew Hope’s passion for clinical care delivery will now benefit decision making following his appointment to the Metro South Health Board.
The Orthopaedic surgeon and systems influencer across state and national clinical committee structures is one of four new board members and brings clinical confidence to the already diverse board membership.
Dr Hope’s local knowledge and MSH Surgical Clinical Network leadership has already enhanced collaboration for efficient surgical services, laying a foundation that he believes will benefit the HHS Board.
“From a delivery of care perspective, there is often a worry about a disconnect between executive level and clinical level,” he said.
“By continuing my clinical work and with the background of the network experience, I hope to reduce the perception of this disconnect and advocate for direction that supports our clinical work.”
The announcement of Dr Hope’s appointment to the board this week followed National Doctor’s Day – a great opportunity to celebrate the medicos who are so vital to the running of health and hospital services.
Despite wearing one of many clinical leadership hats, Dr Hope said it is important to remember that clinical care doesn’t always need to be delivered by medical staff but through the empowerment of all clinical staff with appropriate clinical supervision to ensure patients get the right care.
“I’m passionate about two things; good access to care for all who live in the MSH catchment and reducing the compartmentalised way we do things across the primary care setting and specialist care setting,” Dr Hope said.
“As someone who has done most of my clinical work in the hospital setting, I know that we are focussed on improving waiting lists, for outpatients and for elective surgery. This is one of the disconnects between hospital services and primary care.”
He said his focus was to improve how hospitals manage care in partnership with primary care and potentially avoid patients needing to present to hospitals.
Welcome to the MSHHS board, Dr Hope.