The Honourable John Hill, MP, Minister for Health addressed the audience, presented certificates of completion and personally congratulated the Local Facilitators and Clinical Leaders.  It was reaffirming to hear the Minister speak proudly of and acknowledge the impact that the Clinical Leadership Programme has had on both participants and their practice, and the importance of clinical leadership in health both now and into the future.

We were also fortunate to have Chief Nurse, Adjunct Professor Jenny Beutel present the certificates with Minster Hill and speak about the programmes’ ability to contribute to building a strong and sustainable workforce that is responsive to the needs of service users in a rapidly changing health care environment. 

Another highlight of the ceremony was hearing first hand from a number of participants.  It was inspiring to learn of the experiences and outcomes Local Facilitators and Clinical Leaders have gained as part of participating in the programme.  Thank you to Pauline Blane, Sam Butenko, Sonia Harris, Jo Orr and Kirstie Walkley who amongst other things demonstrated the ripple effect that spreads out from the central focus of the programme.  Theirs and other fascinating participant stories were featured in a special edition newsletter earlier this year.

Heidi Silverston, Director, Clinical Leadership Programme in Australia™ closed the ceremony acknowledging the important contributions of all who are involved in the ongoing success of the programme.  Heidi also spoke about Developing LEADS, the exciting opportunity to offer the Clinical Leadership Programme in Australia™ more broadly across SA Health.