Dr Robyn Lawrence, Chief Executive of the Department for Health and Wellbeing for the past four years, has informed the Premier of her decision to retire in October.
Her retirement follows 15 years' experience in senior executive health care roles here and in Western Australia, and 30 years more broadly in the sector.
Dr Lawrence has led many transition projects during her time as Chief Executive, including significant infrastructure projects, cultural reform and changes to governance.
She led a significant recruitment charge during her tenure with South Australia's health system strengthened by more than 4,000 workers above attrition with more nurses, doctors, paramedics and allied health staff joining the state's health system in the past four years. Dr Lawrence also focused on bringing down ambulance response times.
She also spearheaded Western Australia's COVID-19 response in her role as Deputy Chief Health Officer and Incident Controller.
Her medical background is extensive with a strong focus on clinical governance.
The Chief Executive is responsible to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing for the governance, leadership and management of the South Australian health system - including the direct employer of more than 45,000 staff.
Dr Lawrence's decision will spark a national search for her replacement before she finishes up in October later this year.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
I'd like to thank Dr Lawrence for her significant contribution to the South Australian health system.
She has overseen our program of the most significant investments in health in our state's history – more beds, more doctors, nurses, allied health staff and ambos.
This work is saving lives.
The Chief Executive of the Health Department is a complex role to take on, with many challenges, and she has led the sector with composure, confidence and a level-head.
We will conduct a nation-wide search for her replacement and leave no stone unturned to ensure the next Chief Executive is poised to lead the department into its next chapter.
As put by Blair Boyer
In my short time as Health Minister, Dr Lawrence has been an excellent resource for her outstanding knowledge and sound advice.
I know staff will miss her but appreciate that now is the right time for her to spend with her family.
I look forward to working with her over the coming months as we transition to new leadership and thank her for her commitment to the sector.
As put by Department for Health and Wellbeing Chief Executive Dr Robyn Lawrence
Since I began in this role in September 2022 I have been extremely impressed with the dedication and commitment to patient care from all of our staff across of the Local Health Networks and health agencies.
One of the key attributes of our health care system is undoubtably the collaboration of our people, consistently working together to improve outcomes for our patients and increase access to services across the state.
After 30 years in a range of health care roles both in Western Australia and now here in South Australia Ihave decided it is the right time for me to retire, and I'll be returning home to Western Australia later this year.
I look forward to continuing to work with the staff and remain whole-heartedly committed to supporting everyone during the remainder of my tenure.
