Central Queensland health board to benefit from continuity

Published Friday, 12 May, 2017 at 02:37 PM

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services
The Honourable Cameron Dick

In a show of confidence in the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Board, six members have been reappointed for further terms of between two and four years by the State Government.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said the board, chaired by local government leader Paul Bell AM, had provided strong leadership in the delivery of health services in Central Queensland, overseeing an operating budget of $531.5 million for 2016-17.

“I’m pleased to announce that Graeme Kanofski PSM, Karen Smith, Elizabeth Baker, Dr Poya Sobhanian, Dr Anna Vanderstaay and Lisa Caffery have been reappointed to the board,” the Minister said

“I congratulate these members and look forward to working with them towards achieving the goal of making Queensland’s health system the best in Australia.

“The fact that so many board members sought reappointment is testament to their dedication to their communities.

“The Central Queensland Hospital and Health Board is a diverse group, with five women and four men – all with a range of backgrounds, experience and skills – combining to ensure the broader community is well represented in the health space.”

Mr Dick said 31 people nominated Central Queensland as their preferred board during the public expression of interest process and the task of selecting candidates was a tough one.

Mr Bell, Professor Leone Hinton and Frank Houlihan are continuing their terms as board members.

Mr Dick said the returning mix of members – three of whom were originally appointed for twelve months in May 2016 – will ensure business continuity to the board which will also reduce in size by one position to nine members.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Bronwyn Christensen who originally joined the board in June 2013, her commitment has been of great value to the Central Queensland community,” he said.

The 16 boards throughout Queensland are responsible under the Hospital and Health Board Act 2011 for local performance of their health services and the delivery of public health services within their communities.

The board reappointments will take effect on 18 May 2017.

A complete list of all Hospital and Health Board appointments has been published in the 12 May 2017 edition of the Queensland Government Gazette.

Central Queensland Hospital and Health Board, effective 18 May 2017:

Mr Paul Bell AM (Chair) – currently appointed until 17/05/2020. Central Highlands Councillor and former President of the Local Government Association of Queensland

Mr Graeme Kanofski PSM (Deputy Chair) – reappointed until 17/5/2019. Experienced local government executive (five years as CEO of Gladstone Regional Council); chair of Regional Development Australia’s Fitzroy and Central West division

Professor Leone Hinton – currently appointed until 17/05/2019. Dean of School, Nursing and Midwifery, Central Queensland University; former registered nurse at Mater Children’s and Rockhampton hospitals

Dr Anna Vanderstaay – reappointed until 17/5/202. Yeppoon-based GP and lecturer at University of Queensland’s Rural Clinical School

Mr Frank Houlihan – currently appointed until 17/05/2019. Partner and Managing Director at HHH Partners, an Emerald-based accounting firm; Director of the Central Queensland Rural Division of General Practice; Director of Central Queensland Primary Healthcare

Ms Karen Smith – reappointed until 17/05/2019. Nurse Unit Manager for the Intensive Care Unit at Rockhampton Hospital since 1993

Ms Elizabeth Baker – reappointed until 17/05/2019. Long-term Gladstone lawyer; Director of the Gladstone Airport Corporation

Dr Poya Sobhanian – reappointed until 17/05/2021. Central Queensland dentist; serves on the University of Queensland’s Academic Board and its Faculty of Health Services Board of Studies

Ms Lisa Caffery – reappointed until 17/05/2021. Engagement specialist specialising in rural and regional Queensland; Board Chair of the Central Highlands Science Centre. Chair of the Central Highlands Science Centre.

ENDS

Media contact: Michelle Wellington 0437 323 834