The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) has a new President with the election of Dr Michael Hodgson AM at the recent annual general meeting. Dr Hodgson, who is based in Tasmania, is a representative of the Australian Medical Association on the ACHS Council and has been a Board Member since 1999.
ACHS Chief Executive, Mr Brian Johnston commented, “Dr Hodgson is a passionate supporter of quality and safety in health care. He has had an eminent career as a consultant anaesthetist and has been involved across a broad range of professional activities. He is leading the development of the revised standards to be applied from the beginning of 2007.”
Among other appointments, Dr Hodgson is the current President of the Medical Council of Tasmania and the Chair of the Postgraduate Medical Institute of Tasmania.
During his term, Dr Hodgson is committed to encouraging greater engagement in accreditation and greater recognition of the contribution of frontline staff (eg: allied health professionals, nurses and doctors) in improving the quality of care through continuous improvement.
Dr Hodgson succeeds Dr Jon Mulligan who after distinguished service is retired from the Board as required by the Constitution; having completed the maximum term allowed.
“The ACHS wishes to place on record its appreciation for the expert guidance and leadership of Dr Mulligan during his term as President. Dr Mulligan, the current Director of Clinical Services, South West Area Health Service, Western Australia, has made an invaluable contribution to our organisation and to improving the quality of health care in Australia,” continued Mr Johnston.
Dr Noela Whitby, Chair of Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL), who represents the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners on the Council, was elected as Vice President and Associate Professor Peter Woodruff, who represents the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and is the Director of Vascular Surgery at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Queensland was re-elected as the Treasurer.
The ACHS Board and Council are made up of representatives of stakeholder groups from within the health industry, including: medical colleges and associations; allied health professional colleges; Federal, State and Territory health authorities and a peak consumer representation body.
ACHS member organisations represent 84% of public beds, 94% of private beds and 87% of all available beds in Australian health services.* The ACHS is Australia's leading health care accreditation agency and is recognised by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) for both its standards and accreditation program.
* Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2004. Australian Hospital Statistics, 2002 – 2003. AIHW cat no HSE 32. Canberra: AIHW (Health Services Series no. 22)
For further information: Megan Taylor, Manager, Communications, ACHS on 0416 280 826.
The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards
5 Macarthur Street Ultimo NSW Australia
t 61 2 9281 9955 f 61 2 9211 9633 e achs@achs.org.au w http://www.achs.org.au
