Governance
In this section you will find information about governance structures and frameworks that guide the management of the South Australian heath care system.
SA Health
The State Government established 10 Local Health Networks (LHNs), each with its own Governing Board, which commenced operation on 1 July 2019.
From this date, six new regional LHNs replaced Country Health SA LHN. In addition, the Department for Health and Wellbeing (the Department) took on a revised role, complementing and supporting the LHNs through high-level system direction and performance management, as well as its government departmental roles to support the Minister and Chief Executive in exercising their responsibilities.
SA Health policies
This Policy Governance Framework defines the responsibilities and approach to the development, management and application of system-wide policy across our public health system.
The Framework incorporates 20 Policy Domains which are used to categorise SA Health policies and guidelines by topic area.
The Policies within each Policy Domain must be complied with and implemented as a part of ongoing operations.
You can find our policies and guidelines in the Policies and Guidelines A-Z list.
The Department for Health and Wellbeing
The Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW) assists the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, to set the policy framework and strategic directions for SA Health.
Read more about the Department for Health and Wellbeing.
LHN governance
LHNs manage the delivery of public hospital services and other community based health services as determined by the state government and:
- comprise of a range of public hospital and health care sites and services, which may include community health and residential services for the aged and other vulnerable groups
- have a geographical or functional connection.
South Australia's LHNs
There are 10 LHNs in South Australia established as incorporated hospitals under the Health Care Act 2008. These are:
- Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network
- Central Adelaide Local Health Network
- Eyre and Far North Local Health Network
- Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network
- Limestone Coast Local Health Network
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
- Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network
- Women’s and Children’s Health Network
- Yorke and Northern Local Health Network
LHN Governing Boards
Each LHN has a Governing Board which is responsible for the overall governance and oversight of local service delivery by the LHNs, including governance of performance and budget achievement, clinical governance, safety and quality, risk management and fulfilment of the Governing Board functions and responsibilities.
Governing Boards are responsible and accountable to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing.
Governing Boards appoint the LHN Chief Executive Officer, who reports to the board.
Responsibility for the day-to-day management and operations of the LHNs remains with the LHN CEOs.
In performing their functions, Governing Boards are required to comply with directions issued by the Minister or Chief Executive, and any policies of the Department specified by the Minister or Chief Executive to apply to the boards in the performance of their functions.
Each LHN delivers services in line with its Clinical Services Capability Framework profile.
Service agreements for public health services in SA
Service agreements set out the mutual understanding of respective statutory and legal functions and obligations through a statement of expectation and performance deliverables for the below periods. See the past and current service agreements for the LHNs.
