Doctor appointed to Chair of Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Board

• An experienced medical practitioner has been appointed as Chair to govern the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Board.
• The board members bring a vast range of experience across the fields of general practice, business and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island persons health.
• Boards set the strategic direction and oversee the management of their respective HHS in its delivery of healthcare under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011.

A 10-person board with experience in health, business and law has been appointed to govern the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (HHS).

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman announced the newly appointed board, led by Dr David Rowlands OAM.

A board member since 2022, Dr Rowlands brings a distinguished career to the role. This includes serving as a Medical Officer in the Royal Australian Army and working in accident and emergency care in the UK.

He will be supported by new members Professor Jody Currie, Sandra McCullagh, and Dr Sue McAvoy.

Dr McAvoy comes from a policy and research background, and she is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Queensland’s Centre for the Business and Economics of Health (CBEH), and Ms McCullagh has a wealth of corporate experience across a range of sectors.

Mr Terrance (Terry) Bell has had his membership renewed for another term and joins four continuing members still within their current term. 

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

• Dr David Rowlands OAM (Chair)
• Mr Terrence Bell
• Professor Jody Currie
• Ms Sandra McCullagh
• Dr Sue McAvoy
• Emeritus Professor Birgit Lohmann
• Ms Debra Blumel
• Mr Rodney Cameron
• Mr Bruce Cowley

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

“It is great to see four new leaders joining the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Board this year.

“I am pleased Sunshine Coast HHS has been able to attract such experienced, knowledgeable, and well-respected people to the Board and I know they will make a positive impact.

“The new board members are leaders in their respective fields and will bring with them key skills, knowledge, and experience to Sunshine Coast HHS.

“It is also great to see Dr Rowlands return for another term and move from a Board Member to Board Chair.

“I’d like to acknowledge Sabrina Walsh and Brian Anker for their dedicated service and leadership during their time on the Board.

“I look forward to working with the newly appointed Board to deliver safe and timely healthcare for the Sunshine Coast community.”

ENDS