- New six-member Board has been appointed to govern Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
- The board members bring a vast range of experience across the fields of emergency medicine, business, nursing, and law.
- The appointment of the new Board follows the dismissal of the previous Board in November 2022.
A new six-member Board underpinned with experience in hospital administration, health, business and law has been appointed to govern Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS).
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman has announced the new board, which will be led by Helen Darch OAM, an experienced board member in government and not-for-profit sectors. Membership also includes highly respected emergency physician Associate Professor Dr Luke Lawton, and Head of Nursing and Midwifery at James Cook University Dr Maureen Chapman.
The new board, which will set the strategic direction and oversee the management of Mackay HHS, consists of:
- Helen Darch OAM (Chair)
- Kerry Maley (Deputy Chair)
- Dr Maureen Chapman
- Associate Professor Dr Luke Lawton
- Dr Peter O'Mara
- William Cooper
The new board takes over from the Mackay HHS administrator Karen Roach, who was appointed in November 2022 following the dismissal of the previous board.
The establishment of the new Board follows the appointment in June of experienced health professional Susan Gannon as chief executive.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:
"The appointment of the new Board is a crucial step forward in driving service improvements and cultural change within Mackay HHS."
"I'm pleased Mackay HHS has been able to attract such experienced, knowledgeable and well-respected people to the Board and I know they will make a positive impact.
"The new board members are leaders in their respective fields and will bring with them key skills, knowledge and experience to Mackay HHS.
"This an exciting time for Mackay HHS, which also recently appointed experienced health professional Susan Gannon as chief executive.
"The new board and chief executive will play a critical role in overseeing the implementation of reforms stemming from the Mackay HHS' obstetrics and gynaecology review."
"I also want to thank Karen Roach for her work as Mackay HHS administrator, which has been instrumental in ensuring appropriate governance is in place for the Mackay HHS. Ms Roach will continue to help with the transition to the new Board as an adviser appointed under the Act for one month."
"I look forward to working with the new Board to deliver safe and timely healthcare for the people of Mackay."
