NTASM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR’S REPORT

It was expected there would be a continuum of post COVID-19 recovery in healthcare delivery in 2022, and in most aspects we did see that occurring. However, staff shortages, constraints on the number of physical beds, reduction in theatre access and many more unprecedented disruptions continue to pose challenges. Nevertheless, we are pleased to announce that we have delivered high-quality surgical care to our patients in the Northern Territory.

The data from this report illustrates that we continue to have a high presence of consultants in theatre, appropriate DVT prophylaxis and, more importantly, a declining trend in clinical management issues compared to the earlier portion of the 5-year reporting period. This improvement clearly shows that changes implemented after review of previous reports have resulted in a positive outcome.

As part of the strategy to improve communications among the perioperative workforce, NTASM sponsored a Safer Surgical Teamwork (SST) workshop at Royal Darwin Hospital in 2021 focusing on communication, teamwork, leadership and task management, and another workshop on 29–30 September 2022 at Alice Springs, both of which were well received. Furthermore, NTASM participated in Surgical Grand Rounds at Royal Darwin Hospital, discussing the 2022 hospital report with surgical colleagues and receiving significant feedback on further improving the report. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr John North for his valuable guidance, the NTASM support staff for making the data collection and the report possible, and my fellow colleagues for standing united while working as a team, facing the challenges together and overcoming all barriers to provide a safe and high-quality surgical service to Territorians. Lastly, I would like to extend a thank you note to the Northern Territory Government for funding and supporting NTASM, which enables us to identify areas that warrant improvement.

Dr Manimaran Sinnathamby Director of General Surgery Consultant General and Breast Surgeon Royal Darwin Hospital NTASM Management Committee Chair