Sustainable Healthcare Through Clinical Governance

The latest National Model Clinical Governance Framework recognises sustainability as an essential component of high-quality care.

Sustainability reflects the ability of healthcare organisations to create systems that can meet the current needs of patients and communities, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (United Nations, 1987). 

The latest National Model Clinical Governance Framework 2026, released by The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission), provides a strong foundation for this approach. The Model recognises that healthcare systems must respond to evolving challenges, including the need for environmentally sustainable care. It positions sustainability as a core element of high-quality care, as defining high-quality care care that is person-centred, safe, effective, accessible and integrated, provided in a way that is equitable, efficient and sustainable. 

The National Model for Clinical Governance reinforces that healthcare organisations must consider the broader impact of care delivery, including how services can be provided efficiently while maintaining safety and effectiveness. 

Embedding Sustainability in Leadership 

Sustainable healthcare requires strong leadership and organisational commitment. The National Model highlights the role of boards and executives in establishing systems and cultures that support high-quality care. This includes leading strategies that support environmentally sustainable healthcare, reduce low-value care and minimise unnecessary variation. 

Risk Management 

The framework reinforces the importance of systems-based preparedness and resilience as a core component of safe, high-quality care. The includes proactive identification and management of emerging risks, including those associated with climate change and environmental hazards. In particular, it highlights the need for health service organisations to integrate considerations such as extreme weather events, infrastructure vulnerability, and supply chain disruption into emergency preparedness, risk management, and continuity planning processes. 

Measuring What Matters 

Measurement is essential for turning sustainability goals into meaningful action. The National Model emphasises the importance of using data to understand performance, identify opportunities and guide improvement. Measuring sustainability outcomes alongside quality and safety indicators enables organisations to understand the impact of their initiatives and identify where further improvements can be made. 

A data-driven approach helps healthcare organisations move from intention to action by demonstrating what works and supporting the spread of successful improvements. 

To learn more about the 2026 National Model for Clinical Governance, visit the Commission's website here.