Sunshine Coast health board to benefit from continuity

A former State MP who has a wealth of experience in social work, community health and governance has become the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Board’s latest member.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick today welcomed Anita Phillips to the health board and congratulated four other members for their reappointments.

Mr Dick said the board, chaired by Dr Lorraine Ferguson AM, had provided strong leadership in the delivery of their region’s health services, which included opening the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in April.

“The board welcomes Anita Phillips, who served as Member for Thuringowa from 2001 and 2004 and has had a distinguished career in all forms of government,” the Minister said.

“Ms Phillips also brings valuable experience in social work and community health to the board.

“I am also pleased to announce that GP Dr Mason Stevenson, business and industry professional Brian Anker and accountant Cosmo Schuh have been re-appointed.

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

Dr Ferguson, Peter Sullivan and Associate Professor Edward Weaver will continue their terms on the board.

The Minister paid tribute to Professor Karen Woolley, who leaves the board after serving for the past four years.

Mr Dick said 77 people applied for positions on the board during the expressions of interest period and the task of selecting five candidates was a tough one.

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 12 May 2017 edition of the Queensland Government Gazette.

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Board

Dr Lorraine Ferguson AM (Chair) is a registered nurse; Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing, an Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management and a life member of the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses; former Associate Professor of Nursing (Clinical Leadership and Professional Development) with the University of Western Sydney and the Sydney West Area Health Service – currently appointed until 17/05/2019.

Mr Peter Sullivan (Deputy Chair) is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Services) and Chief Financial Officer of the University of the Sunshine Coast; former Executive Director of Finance and Resource Planning at the Queensland University of Technology – currently appointed until 17/05/2019.

Associate Professor Edward Weaver is Senior Medical Officer within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Nambour General Hospital; Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Queensland; awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Australian College of Midwives in 2001 – currently appointed until 17/05/2019.

Dr Mason Stevenson is a general practitioner for more than 30 years who has held senior roles within medical associations; owned and managed medical practices since 1996 – reappointed until 17/05/2020.

Mr Cosmo Schuh has been a public accountant in the Gympie and South East Queensland region for more than 35 years – reappointed until 17/05/2020.

Mr Brian Anker is Principal of consulting firm; Former Deputy Director-General Innovation of the Queensland Government Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation – reappointed until 17/05/2020.

Ms Anita Phillips is a former State Member for Thuringowa; qualified social worker; experienced board director with particular experience in health regulation  – new appointment 17/05/2020.

Dr Julie-Anne Tarr is an experienced administrator and academic who has held senior positions with Queensland University of Technology, Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR); University of the South Pacific and Indiana University – reappointed until 17/05/2021

ENDS

Media contact: Michelle Wellington 0437 323 834