Strong Governance, Trusted Leadership and Clear Communication: A Descriptive Narrative of an Australian Public Hospital Response to COVID-19

This paper provides a critical reflection of an Australian healthcare organisation’s approach to managing the impact COVID-19 pandemic. A strong focus is placed on importance both staff and patient mental health wellbeing which underpinned by clear governance, communication leadership. The challenges working in uncertainty are widely acknowledged documented, operating as service provider during this time surfaced many unknowns. seeks improve our understanding influence governance structures, leadership when functioning uncertain times. Key learnings that may be considered other multifaceted organisations include; structures recognise involving subject matter experts reinforce organisational trust hierarchical decision making, establishing systems facilitate structured informed making supported visible communications, valuing agility responsiveness workforce through shared listening information sharing, consistent front centre messaging priorities natural flow human behaviour change.