Areas of Special Interest
Supporting complex & cultural change
Debra has extensive experience leading the redesign of clinical services to improve organisational effectiveness and ensure that models of care are patient-focused and efficient. She partners with multi-disciplinary teams to undertake comprehensive diagnostic analysis, develop common understanding of existing arrangements and performance, identify priorities, and introduce innovations and improvements that enhance performance. This work includes coaching staff in the change management process to build organistional capability, unlock leadership skills, improve teamwork and instil greater accountability.
Safety & quality of health services
Services provided to patients are required to meet safety and quality standards. Successfully achieving this requires healthcare boards, executive teams and all staff to maintain a continuous focus on safety and quality, and on improving patient experiences and outcomes. Debra has participated for over 12 years in the assessment and accreditation of hospitals and health services against the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, both across Australia and internationally. During her career as an executive director, she successfully guided several organisations through accreditation.
Fostering cultures that support excellence & innovation
Integrating evidence into clinical practice requires a culture that supports critical thinking, reflective practice and research. Debra has invested considerable effort during her career to initiate and lead education and research strategies that ensure compassionate patient care is based on best practice and evidence, and to build research capability and maximise opportunities for collaboration on inter-professional projects. This work has been acknowledged through the award of Adjunct Professorships with several universities.
Lifelong learning
Health services are under continuing pressure to respond to clinical and technological advances and changing stakeholder expectations. Meaningful, ongoing personal and professional development is critical to ensuring that knowledge, skills and perspectives remain contemporary and effective. Debra is committed to actively supporting the ongoing learning needs of the people and organisations with whom she works through coaching, co-designing and facilitating bespoke workshops and personal support.