MEDIA STATEMENT: Minister for Health pays tribute to outgoing Chief Health Officer

Minister for Health pays tribute to outgoing Chief Health Officer

• Dr John Gerrard has announced he will not seek a second term as Chief Health Officer, instead returning to clinical practice.
• Dr Gerrard will complete his tenure on December 12, after advising of his intention not to seek a second term in mid-October.
• An international recruitment campaign for a new Chief Health Officer will be launched early next year.

The infectious diseases expert who steered Queensland through critical stages of the COVID-19 pandemic has called time on his role as the state’s Chief Health Officer.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls today paid tribute to Dr John Gerrard, who has decided to return to full-time clinical duties when his tenure as the Chief Health Officer ends on December 12.

Minister Nicholls said Dr Gerrard, who started as Chief Health Officer on the same day the state borders reopened, played an instrumental role in the health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding to a significant legacy in the service of others.

“Dr Gerrard has made a tremendous contribution to Queensland in his time as the Chief Health Officer and I wish him the best in his decision to return to full-time clinical duties,” Minister Nicholls said.

“Dr Gerrard was a reassuring presence to many Queenslanders seeking timely and accurate clinical advice during uncertain times.

“Dr Gerrard also played a key role in helping the state manage record influenza outbreaks over the past two years and spearheading the push to hold social media platforms accountable for the content they publish to young people.

“His time as Chief Health Officer adds to his dedication to caring for others, which has included aiding in the health response to the Ebola outbreak in Africa in 2014 and leading the clinical work on malaria vaccine trials.”

Dr Gerrard will return full-time to Gold Coast University Hospital as an infectious diseases expert, continuing his 38-year career in health.

Dr Gerrard said it was an honour to serve the community as CHO during the COVID-19 pandemic and witness firsthand the efforts Queenslanders made to protect themselves and others.

“The COVID-19 pandemic had such an extraordinary impact on people’s lives and strained systems around the world and I am glad I had the opportunity to help people move forward from it,” Dr Gerrard said.  

“While it was difficult decision to finish as the Chief Health Officer, I am excited about returning to my patients in a full-time capacity and continue my passion as an infectious diseases specialist.”

An international recruitment campaign for a new Chief Health Officer will be launched early next year, while an Expression of Interest will go out next week for an interim Chief Health Officer.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Templeton 0417 657 437