News

Albury Wodonga Health has accepted all findings of an independent workplace culture review by Safer Care Victoria (SCV) and is now implementing every recommendation.

The review focused on workplace culture within Surgical Services and the Emergency Departments.

AWH Board Chair Jonathan Green said the organisation asked SCV to conduct the independent review to ensure concerns raised by staff were examined independently and to guide further improvement.

“Culture defines how we work together and how we care for our community,” Mr Green said.

“The review recognises the strong commitment of our people to delivering high-quality patient care, but it also identifies areas where behaviours and leadership practices must improve.”

The review was conducted as a Protected Quality and Safety Review under Victorian legislation, meaning the full report is confidential and legally protected.

However, the findings and recommendations relating to workplace culture, leadership and staff safety have now been communicated to staff and will guide the organisation’s improvement work.

The findings draw on staff surveys, confidential interviews and operational analysis and reflect staff experiences of working at AWH.

The review found that while policies, governance structures and processes exist, these are not always consistently understood, trusted or experienced as effective in some areas, particularly within Surgical Services and the Emergency Department.

Mr Green said AWH has committed to implementing all recommendations arising from the review.

“AWH has accepted every recommendation and will now move into a structured implementation phase to strengthen leadership, behavioural accountability and psychological safety across the organisation,” he said.

A Board and Executive Steering Committee will oversee the response, with progress reported through the Board’s Patient Safety, Quality and Service Review Subcommittee.

A dedicated working group will also support implementation, including leaders from Surgical Services and Emergency Departments.

Safer Care Victoria will continue to monitor AWH’s progress and provide oversight of implementation.

Mr Green said the review was another important step in strengthening workplace culture at AWH.

“The behaviours described in the review are not acceptable, do not align with the culture we expect and are not in line with what staff deserve at Albury Wodonga Health,” he said.

“Our staff deserve a workplace that is physically and psychologically safe, and every leader at every level has a responsibility to ensure that happens.”

“We are committed to addressing these issues and building a stronger, safer and more respectful workplace for our people and for the community we serve.”