IN 2006, QUEENSLAND HEALTH embarked upon a major reform program that included a comprehensive leadership development program for senior leaders, managers and supervisors. The objective was to achieve improvements in the leadership capabilities of key staff that will result in real improvements in workplace culture. The components of the program include: actionlearning leadership development workshops, 360-degree feedback, executive coaching, leadership learning modules and an interactive leadership website. The program is constantly evolving, and implementation commenced in 2007 of a second phase which includes a number of additional initiatives ? an Emerging Clinical Leaders Program, a Top 500 leaders Program, Conflict Resolution Program for Clinicians and a Clinical Network Chairs Leadership Program. Workforce statistics have shown a distinct improvement since the implementation of the program.

QUEENSLAND HEALTH as an organisation has been under a great deal of pressure in recent times. On 26 April 2005, the Queensland Government announced an independent review of Queensland Health?s administrative, workforce and performance management systems. The review was established in response to public concern over the safety and quality of the public health system following events that took place at Bundaberg Hospital, particularly the appointment and practices of Dr Jayant Patel. Associated with the Patel case were issues of bullying and intimidatory behaviour at the workplace. In response to the recommendations of the review, Queensland Health embarked upon a major reform program. One of the strategies for driving reform highlighted by the Queensland Health Systems Review final report, September 2005 was leadership development. Strong leadership was identified as vitally important to both drive the reform process and improve workplace culture.