Twelve highly qualified, experienced and community focussed Tasmanians have been appointed to the Governing Councils of Tasmania's new Health Organisations.

The Minister for Health, Michelle O'Byrne, said the appointments marked another significant step in Tasmania's journey to implement historic national health reforms during the coming year.

Ms O'Byrne said Tasmania would join all other states and territories in moving to a new health administration system from 1 July.

"We have a year of reform ahead of us as the THOs begin work from 1 July and our health system progressively moves to a new structure and new ways of working in many areas.

"The reforms are aimed at achieving better access to services for patients, improved local accountability and transparency and greater responsiveness to local communities.

"The Governing Councils for each of the three THOs will have an important role in delivering the health services that local communities expect," Ms O'Byrne said.

Ms O'Byrne said that each THO would have four governing council members, with a common Chairperson in Mr Graeme Houghton, who had already been appointed and commenced work.

"The Governing Councils will make decisions in consultation with health CEOs about how services are delivered to patients and will report to me as Minister."The successful applicants were chosen after a public and transparent selection process, in which over 80 applications were received.

"That was a tremendous response and reflects well on the level of interest and commitment in the community towards our health system.

"This passion and community engagement will be the backbone of the new THOs which will deliver enhanced local decision making in response to community expectations," Ms O'Byrne said.

Mr Houghton said the Governing Councils were set to begin their work immediately before formally taking on responsibilities from 1 July.

"I'm very pleased with the depth of experience and skills we have on the Governing Councils which will ensure we can make the most of the opportunities ahead of us.

"Our role is to work with local communities, health staff and the State and Federal Governments to improve services for patients by increasing our efficiency and effectiveness.

Mr Houghton said he was especially keen to begin working with Tasmania Medicare Local to improve primary health care for Tasmanians.

"Tasmania Medicare Local aims to better coordinate primary health care services by identifying local health care needs, working to address any service gaps and making it easier for patients to access the services they need.

"There is enormous potential for improving integration between acute and primary health services when the new Tasmanian Health Organisations collaborate with Tasmania Medicare Local," Mr Houghton said.

The following candidates were selected by a panel which included two independent members.  Members have been selected for their expertise in clinical and academic areas, business and financial management, corporate governance and health administration.  Council members will receive up to $28,832 per annum in remuneration for their work.

Tasmanian Health Organisations (THOs)

Chair of Governing Councils: Graeme Houghton

Governing Council THO - North:

Prof. Denise Fassett

Dr Alasdair MacDonald

Mr Mark Scanlon

Mr Ross Hart

Governing Council THO - North West:

Dr Emil Djakic Assoc.

Prof. Dr Deborah Wilson

Mr Dale Elphinstone

Ms Sarah Jordan

Governing Council THO - South:

Mr Lynley Cox

Ms Suzanne Baker

Assoc. Prof. Dr Anthony Lawler

Ms Lisa Wardlaw-Kelly