The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) has published a new Women’s Health Focus Report showing a decrease in hysterectomy rates over eight years – and an increase in the less invasive option of endometrial ablation.

Hysterectomy is one option for treating heavy menstrual bleeding, but there are a number of associated risks. Less invasive treatments are available, including oral medicines, the hormonal IUD and procedures like endometrial ablation.

The Commission has also released the updated Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Clinical Care Standard (2024), which outlines best practice care and how healthcare practitioners can support women living with this condition.

The Standard highlights key aspects of quality care for women with heavy menstrual bleeding including comprehensive assessment, ensuring they are offered appropriate treatment options, and supporting women to make informed choices about their care.

This combined work aims to improve care for women with heavy menstrual bleeding. It will ensure they are offered the most appropriate and least invasive treatment for their individual situation, and can make informed choices from the range of treatments.

Health service organisations, PHNs and clinicians can use the data in the Women’s Health Focus Report to view hysterectomy and endometrial ablation rates in their local area and reflect on what it means for their practice and patients.

If there is substantial variation in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, it is important to investigate if appropriate care is being delivered.

Women with heavy menstrual bleeding that is impacting their life should be offered treatment for symptom relief from first presentation, even when waiting for investigations or access to other treatments.

A trusted practitioner can help a woman understand the range of treatments. The best treatment option will differ for each woman. It is important for clinicians to ask women about their menstrual health, as some women may not recognise their heavy bleeding is unusual and can be treated, so many do not seek help.

Find out more at safetyandquality.gov.au/HMB

In accordance with Clause 14.3 of the NQPHN Constitution, the Nominations and Remuneration Committee (NRC) provides independent advice and recommendations to the Board and, where required, the NQPHN Members, in relation to the appointment of Directors (through application of a Board Skills Matrix), external committee membership, and Board performance and remuneration.

The Chair is an independent person appointed for a term (normally) of three years by NQPHN Members (after consultation with the Board) and must be a person who is not employed by, or a Director of, either the Company or of a Member, or affiliated with NQPHN.

NQPHN is a public company limited by guarantee incorporated under the Corporations Act. It is one of 31 Primary Health Networks funded by the Australian Government. It is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, funded to commission services to meet the health needs and priorities of the North Queensland region (from Sarina in the south to the Torres Strait in the north). Copies of NQPHN’s Constitution, Members Charter, Health Needs Assessment, Strategic Plan and Board Skills Matrix overview are available on the NQPHN website here.

Applications will be considered and reviewed by the NQPHN Nomination and Remuneration Committee (Committee). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed, and the recommended applicant will be considered for appointment at the Annual General Meeting of NQPHN Members on 28 November 2024.

NQPHN is seeking EOI applications from individuals to meet the requirements of the position description and possess the qualifications, knowledge, experience, and attributes that will contribute to the organisation achieving its vision of Northern Queenslanders living happier, healthier, longer lives. The Committee applies a skills matrix to assist with the process of assessing EOI applications for the Chair role, prior to making recommendations to the NQPHN Members.

Applicants must demonstrate skills, experience, or capability in the following key criteria:

• Experience in chairing boards and committee meetings and encouraging and facilitating contributions from all committee members.
• Demonstrated experience in Board Skills Assessment and Director Succession Planning.
• Knowledge of leading practice in Director onboarding, Board and Committee remuneration, and the performance monitoring of Boards, Directors and Committees.
• Subject matter experience in the primary health sector, governance practices in the sector, and the role that the Primary Health Networks play within the sector.
• Highly developed skills in management and communication.
• Ability to work with a range of stakeholders, particularly across the primary health sector, as well as with government and community leaders.
• A commitment to working collaboratively with a diverse range of communities and with regional stakeholders.

In accordance with the NQPHN Constitution and the NRC Charter, the Independent Chair will guide the work of the NRC in the following areas:

• Board appointments, re-elections, performance:
  • Reviewing Board performance against the mix of skills on the Board annually.
  • Make recommendations to the Board and Members on a suitable skills matrix, board composition, and Director Remuneration (to be approved by Members).
  • Board and director professional development.
• Selection, appointment and succession planning:
  • Make recommendations to the Board on Director and external Committee member appointments.
  • Review Board composition and Director skill.
  • Review Board diversity.
  • Board succession planning.
• Induction and continuing professional development.
• Director Remuneration.

Applications

• Your EOI application for this position should include:
  • A written application of no more than two pages addressing why you would like to be the Independent Cahir of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee, and how you think your skills, attributes and/or experience align to the key criteria and responsibilities and enhance NQPHN’s ability to deliver on its strategic plan.
    • This written application should also describe your current commitments, any perceived or actual conflicts of interest that relate to NQPHN.
  • A current copy of your curriculum vitae or LinkedIn profile.
  • Names and contact details of two referees.
• Please be aware that your application and your curriculum vitae may need to be shared with the NQPHN Members.

To submit an EOI for this position, please email your application to companysecretary@nqphn.com.au no later than close of business 9 September 2024.

Download the Independent Chair position description here.