Transparency part of the answer to lifting performance in the hospital system

From the NSW Government's response to the Report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into Acute Care Services in NSW Public Hospitals( Garling) on Tuesday.

"A Bureau of Health Information will be created to support transparency in health data and allow greater local control of information analysis. Consistent with functions outlined in the final Garling Report, the Bureau will undertake public reporting, performance monitoring, ad-hoc data supply and analysis, evaluation and research."

The details of Garling's recommendations in this area are included at 75-79 in the response. All are supported. The Bureau is to be established in Stage One by July 2009. Some aspects of measurement and reporting are listed for action in Stage Two or Three. The Government also supports related recommendations, such as 90, for the public display by each ward of infection rates and compliance with hygiene standards.