Digital health agency appoints Hambleton as clinical advisor

The Australian Digital Health Agency has announced that Dr Steven Hambleton has returned to the agency as an independent clinical advisor to the executive team for six months.

Dr Hambleton is a general practitioner in Brisbane, adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland and current board member of the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre, Avant Mutual Group Limited and the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council.

Dr Hambleton was appointed chairman of the National eHealth Transition Authority in June 2014,  and oversaw its transition to the Australian Digital Health Agency in July 2016 and then served as co-chair of clinical programs and deputy chair of the expansion program for the MyHealth Record. 

He has been president of the Australian Medical Association at state and federal levels and worked with many governments and health professional organisations.

In his new role, Mr Hambleton joins ADHA’s executive team to provide clinical input to the digital health agency’s governance committees.

ADHA interim CEO Bettina McMahon said Dr Hambleton’s contribution to the agency in the past has been invaluable in providing clinical expertise and a link to the medical profession.

“In becoming an advisor to the agency executive team more formally, we are ensuring a strong clinical voice to the executive following the departure of Chief Medical Advisor Professor Meredith Makeham,” she said.

On his appointment, Dr Hambleton said he was passionate about continuing to change Australia’s health care system using digital technology. 

“I am determined to continue the health reform journey to deliver quality outcomes and an improved experience of care for consumers and the professions,” Dr Hambleton said.

Dr Hambleton commenced his new role on 3 August, which will run through to January 2021.

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