Experienced healthcare executives appointed to Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board

• An experienced health services executive has been appointed as Board Chair to govern the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board.
• The board members bring a vast range of experience across the fields of healthcare services, health research, community services and business.
• Boards set the strategic direction and oversee the management of their respective health services in its delivery of healthcare under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011.

A nine-person board with experience in health, community services, and business has been appointed to govern the Darling Downs 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 Dr Dennis Campbell.

Dr Campbell has transitioned from Deputy Chair to Chair. He is also a member and/or chairperson of a range of other committees in the local community.

He has extensive experience within the Queensland healthcare system and has been recognised on several occasions for his contributions to health services.

He has previously served in chief executive positions at Toowoomba’s St Vincent’s Hospital, Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, and Maryborough Hospital.

He will be joined by the newest member of the Board Merrilyn Strohfeldt.

Ms Stronhfeldt has an extensive career across healthcare and community services and previously served as CEO of the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network.

Dr Ross Hetherington, Professor Maree Toombs and Mrs Patricia Leddington-Hill have renewed their membership for another term and join four continuing members not currently due for renewal.

The new board, which will set the strategic direction and oversee the management of the Darling Downs HHS, consists of:

• Dr Dennis Campbell (Chair)
• Ms Merrilyn Strohfeldt
• Professor Maree Toombs
• Mrs Patricia Leddington-Hill
• Dr Ross Hetherington
• Emeritus Professor Julie Cotter
• Mrs Marie Pietsch
• Mr Terrence Kehoe
• Dr Stephen Harrop

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

“The Darling Downs HHS is fortunate to have secured a distinguished group of individuals for its Board this year, both retaining experienced leadership and attracting exceptional new talent.

“Their proven track record and diverse expertise across healthcare, research, community services, and business will be instrumental in ensuring the highest quality care for the community.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to outgoing Chair Mike Horan AM for his dedicated service and leadership, particularly during challenging times.

“His contributions have been invaluable to the Darling Downs HHS.

“I am confident that the newly constituted Board, with its commitment to teamwork and strong community representation, will continue to deliver exceptional and timely healthcare for all Queenslanders.

“I look forward to a productive partnership in achieving this shared goal."

ENDS