Southern NSW health boss to focus on scrubbing out bullying culture

While he has 14 hospitals under his watch, his first port of call was the South East Regional Hospital, where he aims to garner “traction” on recommendations made following a scathing review of the hospital earlier this year.

“One of the recommendations was about culture and bullying in the workplace,” he said.

“I want to make sure staff are in a position to alert senior management, we need people to tell us what’s going on, or we don’t know anything about it.”

Mr Newton said he plans to visit Bega regularly to “build ongoing relationships” with staff as the former Westmead Hospital general manager switches his focus in his new role.

“For me it’s a role transition,” he said.

“I’m letting go of hospital operations and will focus on governance and five rebuilds and redevelopments around the region.”

As a registered nurse, Mr Newton has only ever worked in a hospital environment, and said he will work to make sure staffing levels are at an adequate level.

“I understand all the different roles in a hospital,” he said.

“I will be looking that when we get a vacancy they are filled.”

An avid social media user, Mr Newton said he has embraced technology as a way to communicate openly with the public.

“We should be celebrating the great work that our staff do,” he said.