ADF Health December 2008 - Volume 9 Number 2EditorialA message from the Surgeon General Australian Defence ForceSoon after assuming my appointment, I took a range of initiatives and proposed reforms to the Chiefs of Service Committee. These included the establishment of Joint Health Command; a change in lead capability manager from Army to Joint Health Command; a proposal to seek a commercial offthe- shelf solution for eHealth; and the intent to review garrison and operational health support arrangements. The Chiefs accepted all of these recommendations. Joint Health Command (JHC) was established on 4 August 2008, using the former Defence Health Services Division as the basis for establishment positions. At the same time, I became Commander Joint Health Command (CJHLTH), but retain the title Surgeon General Australian Defence Force (SGADF) in my technical control and representational capacities. We have commenced the development of Service Level Agreements with various Defence groups. These agreements will clearly articulate mutual responsibilities and command and control lines. I am required to have these agreements in place by 31 March 2009. Concurrently, we are developing Regional Level Agreements, which will be schedules to the Service Level Agreements. I intend to appoint regional health directors to assist in the development of these agreements, to ensure the art of the possible from a local perspective is met. My intent is to hub garrison facilities as far as possible so that we can accrue efficiencies and better utilise our scarce workforce. Already, we have commenced the investigation of commercial off-the-shelf solutions for eHealth. I am using the Rapid Prototype, Development and Evaluation office within Capability Development Group to fast-track this requirement. They will engage with industry, and you the stakeholder, to ensure we get the best possible solution. Lead capability manager responsibilities are an important role for JHC. We will take responsibility to prioritise minor new health capabilities and ensure a fair share for all. Further, we will ensure we are purchasing the correct health materiel in sensible quantities, and attempt to draw down wastage. These initiatives, and others, will provide clarity to the way we provide garrison health support and, eventually, to the way we deliver operational health support. They will promote an environment in which we are better able to train and retain our people. These important changes will do much to ensure the future of the Health Services, but I need your help and commitment. We all need to sing from the same sheet of music, and at least be in harmony. We need to cooperate with each other and work as a joint capability. We must put single Service differences to one side. We need to be responsible and frugal in the way we use resources. Above all else, we must ensure we do not compromise our standards or traditions. I look forward to meeting with you at some stage in the future, but, more importantly, I encourage you to present your ideas and thoughts on how we can best move forward to maintain our edge as a worldclass health service.
A message from the Surgeon General Defence Health ReservesThe initiatives approved by the Chiefs of Service Committee in July heralded an exciting time for Defence Health. These changes will address many of the longstanding strategic, command, procurement and policy impediments that have limited the effective delivery of health care in the Australian Defence Force. The fundamental role of ADF Health Reserves has not changed. We exist to combine with the permanent forces, Defence civilians and contractors to deliver the best possible health care to the men and women of the ADF. I look forward to working with MAJGEN Alexander to make sure that Health Reserves are appropriately organised, trained and equipped to take maximum advantage of these initiatives. These initiatives may require some changes to the way Reserves have traditionally performed their duties, but I ask for your support while we navigate our way through this exciting transformation. I will endeavour to keep you fully informed as we move forward through this process.
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Paul V Alexander 
Graeme S Shirtley