BHI hosted a first-of-its-kind Masterclass event on 1 November 2019 to support capacity-building and enable networking among NSW Health leaders and staff managing, analysing and using health service performance data.

Held at the Kolling Institute of Medical Research in St Leonards, the event also provided an opportunity for BHI to mark its 10th anniversary.

Masterclass delegates heard from topic experts drawn from BHI and across NSW Health, and external organisations.

The biostatistics trainees, policy officers and directors of performance attending the Masterclasses participated in practical exercises to extend their knowledge and skills, as well as enable networking opportunities.

The event consisted of three concurrent masterclass ‘streams’:

Stream 1 – Finding and using health data
Sharing knowledge and skills on accessing and using data sources.

Stream 2 – Telling stories: Transforming data, delivering insights
Examining the knowledge and skills needed to create effective analyses that support data-driven decision-making.

Stream 3 – Analysing and reporting survey data
Focused on analysis and reporting of survey data to support performance improvement, with a particular focus on patient experience.

Hosted by BHI Chief Executive Dr Diane Watson, the afternoon tea break provided an opportunity for BHI and Masterclass guests to celebrate the organisation’s 10th anniversary, with contributions from special guest speakers.

The Hon Justice Peter Garling RFD, Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW and author of the Final Report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into Acute Care Services in NSW Public Hospitals, reflected on the significant changes that have been implemented in the NSW health system as a result of BHI’s work and reinforced the necessity of independent performance reporting.

The NSW Ministry of Health’s Deputy Secretary, Patient Experience and System Performance Division, Susan Pearce, and BHI Board Chair Dr Carol Pollock each reflected on BHI’s impact on the NSW health system over the past decade, recognising current and past staff and leaders for their contributions.