Hospital and Health Boards retain almost 90 per cent of members

Queensland’s Hospital and Health Boards have retained 101 of their 117 inaugural appointees as they move into their second year in charge of local health resources.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said retaining this many board chairs and members was a testament to the success of local control and to the commitment and dedication of people serving their local community.

“Chairs and board members were appointed a year ago with their eyes wide open, knowing they faced a massive challenge in transforming the way our health services were governed,” Mr Springborg said.

“They were also charged with improving patient care while finding budget efficiencies, and were then hit mid-year with an unexpected $103 million Federal budget cut.

“Local Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) continued to rise above these challenges as they improved access to higher-quality and more cost-effective healthcare treatment for all Queenslanders.

“I would also like to welcome the 26 new board members across the state who bring with them vast experience from leading organisations across different industries.”

In addition to the new appointees, five board members resigned during the board term.

Ten board member contracts were not renewed as boards work toward a staggered timetable of membership renewal.

Mr Springborg said the one-year anniversary for Hospital and Health Boards was a timely opportunity to recognise individuals who had served their community admirably in the past year.

“I would like to acknowledge both Barbara Hovard (Wide Bay) and Louise Pearce (Cape York) who acted as Board Chair for their respective HHS for a substantial portion of the last year,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge Gary Kirk who relinquished the Chair’s role in Wide Bay but will continue on the board and Dr Robert Miles, inaugural Chair of Central Queensland, who chose not to seek reappointment.

“I congratulate all four of these individuals on their contributions toward the improved efficiency and effectiveness of their respective HHSs across Queensland.”

Mr Springborg said he would shortly announce the new Chair of the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board.

[ENDS] 17 May 2013

Media Contact: Cameron Thompson 0407-585230