Improvement in financial management in Hospital and Health Services across Queensland are expected following an assessment of new core business and information technology systems.

New multi-million dollar contractual arrangements will replace an ageing accounting software system, enabling Health Service Boards to report in line with uniform standards set by the National Health Reform Agreement.

The systems are to be assessed in consultation with ICT providers, beginning in Brisbane tomorrow.

The process, recommended by the Government’s Commission of Audit, will commission a system to track, record and report business activity and to improve comparability, transparency and accountability across the state-wide health system.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the process will transform the way key administrative functions are delivered and how innovative technology solutions support these services.

“Our existing IT systems come from a previous era, in which direct comparison between local services was difficult and cumbersome,” Mr Springborg said.

“These new programmes will lead our corporate services capability into the future while delivering the recommendations of the Government’s Blueprint for Better Healthcare in Queensland and the Commission of Audit.

“There will be increased autonomy for the business operations of Hospital and Health Services and a more focused, responsive and rewarding work environment for staff.”

Mr Springborg said improved ‘back office’ IT services and better corporate linkages would enable Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) to dedicate more recurrent capacity to frontline health delivery in local communities.

“We will work with industry to ensure best practice in the delivery of corporate services across our HHSs,” he said.

Industry engagement was crucial to ensure the most suitable business model was adopted and that the result would be a framework to support the future of Queensland healthcare for many years to come.

For more information or to request details on attending the industry briefing go to the Queensland Government Partners in Technology web site at http://ict.industry.qld.gov.au/events/242.htm