The nurse who is now at the helm of the Illawarra Shoalhaven's public health system
Margaret Martin, new acting chief executive of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, at the new Shellharbour Hospital site. Picture by Adam McLeanMargaret Martin is excited for what the next 12. . .
Margaret Martin, new acting chief executive of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, at the new Shellharbour Hospital site. Picture by Adam McLeanMargaret Martin is excited for what the next 12 months means for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, but is well aware of the challenges she faces, too, as she takes the reins of the organisation. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingSave 30%All articles from our website& appThe digital version ofToday'sPaperAll otherin your areaMs Martin, the health district's former executive director of clinical operations, stepped into the role of acting chief executive in July followingthe departure of Margot Mains. "We have over $1 billion worth of capital development, and that is a huge undertaking for us as we look at opening up the Shoalhaven Hospital [redevelopment], and also all the planning and the building that's happening at Shellharbour," Ms Martin said. She acknowledged there were challenges accompanying these major projects, which had to be balanced with the day-to-day business of the organisation. "I think what we're looking at is we're having to develop whole models of care for new hospitals, we're looking at the workforce impacts and the planning and recruitment for workforce, there'll be a massive uplift in staff," Ms Martin said. "And also the development of new services, so all of that takes a lot of planning and a lot of engagement from our teams. "Balancing demand and high-quality careThe new chief said the district did struggle with some staff vacancies, but new facilities tended to attract people; at Shoalhaven Hospital, especially in the emergency department, jobs were filled successfully. Other priorities for Ms Martin include the ongoing impact of aged care and NDIS patientsstuck in the region's hospitalsas they wait for a placement elsewhere, and the growing demand on hospitals. Ms Martin said her predecessor Ms Mains established strong relationships with aged care providers, and theLHD's aged care outreach servicecontinued to provide support. There was also work with NSW Ambulance, especiallyits extended care paramedics, to keep appropriate patients out of hospital, she said, and initiatives to manage the hospital's bed capacity, such asvirtual careand Hospital in the Home. "Trying to balance that demand while supporting staff being able to provide the highest quality care is a real priority for me, and we have seen some progress in our emergency department performance and also our planned surgery performance, so I'd really like to see that continue," Ms Martin said. Significant contributor to the districtISLHD board chair Chris Bertinshaw congratulated Ms Martin on her appointment on behalf of the board. "Marg is a highly respected and experienced health leader who has made a significant contribution to our district over many years," Mr Bertinshaw said. "The board has every confidence in her ability to lead our organisation and continue delivering safe, high-quality care for our patients, consumers and communities. "Ms Martin served as the ISLHD's executive director of clinical operations for nine years. She took on that role after a stint as the director of change for the rollout of South Australia's electronic medical record system, "a huge transformational change program". People-centred approachMs Martin's curriculum vitae lists various other roles, mostly at Flinders Medical Centre, a major teaching hospital in Adelaide. Before she made the move into managerial roles, Ms Martin was a nurse and worked in the clinical space for about 12 years. "I really love the opportunity as a nurse to make a difference to people's lives," she said. "I think we see people at their most vulnerable, and the satisfaction of being able to work with people from all walks of like to help their healthcare journey be as good as possible. "I think having a people-centred approach, it's always been something that's attracted me to working in the healthcare space. "Ms Martin had spent her career in Adelaide until the executive director job became available in the Illawarra. "I will admit I didn't know a lot about the region before I moved, but I was attracted to the position and to what it could offer," she said. "I had no idea where it would lead and how long I would stay, but from the moment I got here I felt at home, and it's been just an amazing journey the last nine years. "More from HealthAs it happensBreaking news alertBe the first to know when news breaks.