Administrator appointed to Cairns and Hinterland HHS

Respected health professional, Terry Mehan, has been appointed Administrator for the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.

The Cairns and Hinterland HHS Board resigned earlier this week following concerns the HHS would deliver a projected operating deficit at the end of 2016-17 of $80 million - more than 10 per cent of its operating budget.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said Mr Mehan would help guide the HHS for a six month period.

“As administrator, Mr Mehan will effectively function as a replacement Board, guiding the HHS’s operations and retaining the same powers and authorities that would ordinarily vest in the Board,” he said.

Mr Mehan is an internationally-recognised health care leader with 40 years experience in health system management spanning three Australian states and overseas. 

Mr Mehan’s career has included health policy, planning, performance and system purchasing roles, being a chief executive of small rural hospitals, regional services and large metropolitan networks and an advisor to the governments of Papua New Guinea and Tonga. He has also worked as chief executive of Metro North HHS.

“The breadth of Mr Mehan’s experience will assist him in helping the Cairns and Hinterland HHS work towards sustainable growth into the future,” Mr Dick said.

Queensland Health Director-General Michael Walsh will serve as interim administrator while Mr Mehan finalises an overseas commitment. Mr Mehan will begin his six month role in November.

“As the head of Queensland Health, Mr Walsh is perfectly placed to act in an interim capacity and help guide the HHS in coming weeks,” Mr Dick said.

Mr Dick said he wanted to reiterate his praise for the hardworking staff of the Cairns and Hinterland HHS and to assure them that the government’s policy of no forced redundancies would be strictly enforced.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:   Anika Hume 0439 253 815