Experienced leaders appointed to CHQ Hospital and Health Board

• A distinguished legal practitioner has been appointed Chair of the Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Board.
• The board’s diverse expertise spans general practice, business, nursing, and law, ensuring strong leadership for strategic direction and healthcare delivery within the hospital and health service.
• Boards are governed by the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011.

A ten-person board with experience in health, business, and law has been appointed to govern the Children’s Hospital Queensland Hospital and Health Service (HHS).

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman announced the newly appointed board, which will be led by Heather Watson.

Mrs Watson has more than 30 years’ experience as a legal practitioner, specialising in the charitable and not-for-profit sectors. She has served on the Board since 2018.

Mrs Watson is joined by new members Inmaculada Beaumont and Kara Cook

Mrs Beaumont brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive across health, research, education, energy, and banking sectors and is also involved with various not-for-profit organisations focussing on disability, gender equality, and health.

Ms Kara Cook has extensive legal, advocacy, public administration and governance experience. She is a member of Queensland Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Philanthropic Advisory Committee and previously a local Councillor for Brisbane City Council.

Ms Cheryl Herbert, Mr William Fellowes, Associate Professor Martin Byrne and Dr Simon Denny have renewed their membership for another term and three continuing members not currently due for renewal.

The new board, responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing healthcare delivery, consists of:

• Mrs Heather Watson (Chair)
• Mrs Cheryl Herbert
• Mrs Inmaculada Beaumont
• Associate Professor Martin Byrne
• Professor Simon Denny
• Mr William Fellowes
• Ms Kara Cook
• Ms Meredith Staib
• Ms Suzanne Cadigan
• Ms Karina Hogan

Quotes attributable to  Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“Children’s Health Queensland is fortunate to have secured an exceptional group of individuals for its Board this year.

“Their proven experience and leadership across a range of fields will be instrumental in ensuring the highest quality healthcare for Queensland children.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to outgoing Chair David Gow for his dedicated service and leadership since 2018.

“I look forward to working together with the new Board to deliver exceptional and timely healthcare for all Queensland children.”

ENDS