The Far West LHD has welcomed the appointment of Dr Tim Smart to the role of Director of Medical Services.
'Dr Smart brings to the role a wealth of experience and a track record of significant achievements in the field,' said Mr Umit Agis, Chief Executive, Far West LHD.
'We are very fortunate to have someone of Tim's experience and background in rural and regional medical services, in this role,' said Mr Agis.
Dr Smart worked in a clinical role for about 22 years before moving into medical administration after acquiring the Fellowship (FRACMA) and appropriate business and Health Economics tertiary qualifications. He has held senior health administration positions in New Zealand, the Pacific and Australia mainly as an Executive Director of Medical Services and as a Chief Executive Officer.
He comes to the Far West with not only experience in tertiary facilities, but having predominantly worked in rural and regional areas. He also has extensive experience in change management practices.
I initially came to the Far West to do locum work after the departure of the previous long standing DMS and I've always had an interest in rural and regional health services which made Broken Hill an attractive place to work
Since joining Far West LHD, he has already started active ongoing recruitment of Specialists and Rural Generalists to stabilise the medical staffing and service standards at Far West LHD facilities. Dr Smart assisted with the implementation and inclusion of the Fast Track service into the Emergency Department stream to ensure an efficient service for patients. This was supported by the recruitment of additional doctors to the ED team, largely from the local medical community.
He has also participated with the local University Department of Rural Health training hub and the RFDS in the ongoing development of Rural Generalist training and Advance Skills training at Broken Hill Health Service as a recruitment pipeline of medical practitioners for the hospital and community.
'I hope we can continue an active, continuous program for the recruitment of medical officers with appropriate skills to Broken Hill Health Service and our other facilities,' said Dr Smart.
'I want to ensure we continue to set high professional standards for the medical services that the community deserves including the development of more specialised services locally. This will assist in ensuring a strong focus on timely access to care for the community and that a strong culture of patient safety continues to be developed at Broken Hill hospital and our other facilities.'
Dr Smart was Acting DMS prior to his appointment and will take on his substantive role as of 2 August 2021.
