In group photo: NRH Chief Executive Officer Dr George Malefoasi, DFAT First Secretary to Health Ms. Elise Newton, SIAPH Partnership Director Dr John Rockett, the Clinical Governance Training Facilitators and Senior Clinical Leaders
Clinical Governance Training Strengthens Leadership and Quality of Care in Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership for Health (SIAPH) has successfully conducted its inaugural Clinical Governance Training for senior clinical leaders from the National Referral Hospital and Naha Urban Health Centre in Honiara. The training took place from Tuesday, 3 June to Friday, 6 June 2025.
The training aimed to strengthen the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ capacity in clinical governance. Key areas covered included clinical governance systems, leadership and accountability, clinical incident reporting, risk management, continuous quality improvement, clinical supervision, ethical service delivery, and quality assurance.
Delivered by the Australasian Institute of Clinical Governance (AICG) through SIAPH, the training forms part of Australia’s long-standing support to the Ministry for improving leadership, accountability, patient safety and clinical quality in the Solomon Islands. This initiative contributes directly to implementing the Solomon Islands National Health Strategic Plan 2022–2031.
National Referral Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Malefoasi said the primary goals of this training are to foster a safe and supportive environment for patients, ensure high-quality care, and embed principles of efficiency and effectiveness into daily practice.
“One of the foremost objectives of this training is to create a safe patient environment. Safety encompasses physical, emotional, and procedural aspects, ensuring that patients feel secure and cared for during their interactions with the hospital”, said Dr Malefoasi.
William John Rockett, Partnership Director (Team Leader) of SIAPH, highlighted the significance of clinical governance as a foundation for high-performing health systems:
Clinical governance is the system through which health services are held accountable for continuously improving the quality of their care and safeguarding high standards by creating an environment where clinical excellence can flourish.
“The concept embeds accountability, performance transparency, and quality assurance at all levels of service delivery.”
“With Australia’s support, through this training, the Ministry is leading the way to deliver safer care and improved health outcomes for everyone. Strengthening clinical governance is central to building a resilient, high-quality health system. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to safer services, stronger local leadership, and better health for every Solomon Islander,” said Rockett.
Ends///…
Some of the clinicians during one of the Clinical Governance Training sessions
Clinical Governance Participants during a group discussion
Dr Lloyd Nash discusses Leadership Styles.
Jenifer Gale discusses essential components of Clinical Governance and Patient Safety.