Illawarra health boss exits to help rescue 1350 patients stranded in NSW hospitals
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District chief executive Margot Mains is stepping down from the role after 12 years. File picture by Robert PeetThe woman who steered the region through COVID, led change. . .
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District chief executive Margot Mains is stepping down from the role after 12 years. File picture by Robert PeetThe woman who steered the region through COVID, led change after thelandmark birth trauma inquiryand fought to help aged care patients stuck in hospital is leaving the region's top health job. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingSave 30%All articles from our website& appThe digital version ofToday'sPaperAll otherin your areaMargot Mains has been chief executive of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District since 2014, and is now moving into a new role tackling one of the biggest issues facing NSW Health. In a few weeks she will work solely to reduce the number of aged care and NDIS patients who arestranded in hospitalsacross the state. During her 12-month role as coordinator general in Aged Care and Disability Reform, she will work closely with the federal government to ensure those who need it are being supported at home or in an aged care setting. It comes at a time when 1350 people are stranded in ahospital bed, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said. "That's pretty well the highest it's ever been, and that's a big challenge for us as we work through what is already the busiest period for hospitals, and that is the winter period," he said. "[It's] terrible for them, their families, and terrible for the staff, it puts more pressure on them. It puts more pressure on those individual patients and it puts more pressure on the system. "Bed block and patients left strandedHe died in hospital days after he finally secured a place at an aged care facility. On Tuesday, July 7, Ms Mains said: "It's no secret that our health district has been particularly impacted by the current challenges of the aged care and disability sectors". "I have been deeply committed to ensuring that older people and people with a disability can live in the place that is right for them and that they receive the care and support that suits their individual needs," she said. "It's why I have made the decision to take up this new role and go where I think I can make the most difference, utilising the lessons and experiences of our district in recent years. "'No one comes to work with the intent to cause harm'"No one comes to work with the intent to cause harm and I believe our staff share our goal of making a positive difference to women and families. However, there are areas that we need to improve and work has already begun," she said at the time. "These exciting projects, together with a robust and dedicated team of staff right across this LHD, will help shape a positive future for health in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven," she said. Loss of a 'quiet achiever'Aged care adviser for the Community Industry Group, Mark Sewell, has worked with Ms Mains since the start of theCOVID pandemicwhen elderly people were at risk and health services preparing for a "flood of people with COVID". He said her strongest quality during this time, and since, was that she listened and put the community's needs first. Margot Mains during the official opening of the $4. 3 million revamp of Wollongong Hospital Childrens Ward in September 2023. Picture by Adam McLean"Unlike any other health bureaucrat or health leader I've ever met, she just listens," he said. "She just says, 'OK, the health system lets me do this, the resources I've got are like this, but let's see whatever we can possibly do to stretch it, to be flexible, to meet the needs of our oldest citizens'. "Margot is a quiet achiever. She doesn't big note herself, she doesn't expect any sort of ego trip when she's at any meeting or any forum, she just quietly knows the facts, she gets them daily, and then she just encourages people to step up as well. "It is a community leadership model, it's quite different to many other CEOs and other leaders that you come across, so it's quite inspiring. "Margot Mains when she commenced as chief executive of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District in October 2014. Picture by Sylvia LiberThe contributions Ms Mains made to the region, in particular investments into Shellharbour and Shoalhaven hospitals were enormous, health minister Mr Park said. "Over the last three years, arguably, it [Wollongong] is the most improved hospital in terms of overall performance in NSW," he said. "That's in no short part because of the efforts of Margot and all of the staff in really turning that around despite the increasing pressures given we don't have thenew Shellharbour Hospitalonline operating yet. Over the last three years, arguably, it [Wollongong] is the most improved hospital in terms of overall performance in NSW. That's in no short part because of the efforts of Margot and all of the staff. - NSW Health Minister Ryan Park"Her staff really care deeply about her, and she cares deeply about them. "She's given that role her all and as a result, we've seen some real improvements in the way in which health services are delivered here in the region. "Mr Park said Ms Mains' experience, particularly when it comes to aged care and NDIS patients being stranded in hospitals, will benefit so many more people across NSW when she starts in her new role. Immense pride in health workersMs Mains will finish her role on July 17, with new chief executive Marg Martin, who is the LHD's current executive director of clinical operations, to start on July 20. As Ms Mains sees out her final few days in the role, she said she is "filled with great sadness" to leave the region and its 8000 staff. "I have immense pride in the transformation ISLHD has experienced. One of my first priorities when joining the organisation was to strengthen clinical and strategic leadership across the district," she said. "I truly believe our ability to plan and deliver high-quality, best-practice care and services is testament to the hard work of our leaders and every member of our workforce. "Health will always come with its challenges, but the focus on collaboration and meaningful partnerships will ensure that we continue towards ongoing improvements to health and wellbeing for our communities and advancing research that supports better care and health outcomes. "Got a tip? Click on the image above to send me an email. More from HealthAs it happensBreaking news alertBe the first to know when news breaks.