Administrator appointed to North West HHS

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has announced the appointment of former Queensland Health Director-General Michael Walsh as Administrator in place of the North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) Board.

Recent board vacancies, including the position of Chair, were unable to be filled during a recent recruitment process. Remaining board members either resigned or were dismissed following the issue of a show cause notice.

Minister D’Ath said concerns had been raised around sustainable governance and financial management at NWHHS.

“I want to reassure communities in the North West that delivering sustainable health services to them is a priority,” Ms D’Ath said.

“Mr Walsh will work with staff, with the local mayors, other community representatives and health service stakeholders to ensure the Hospital and Health Service continues delivering quality care.”

Michael Walsh was Director-General of Queensland Health from July 2015 to September 2019.

Over the past 20 years, Mr Walsh has held senior executive positions in New South Wales and Queensland. He has worked as Chief Executive HealthShare NSW and was the inaugural Chief Executive of eHealth NSW. He holds a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in psychology, Bachelor of Science in human movement and Bachelor of Education.

Mr Walsh currently provides strategic advisory services to large organisations with a focus on leadership, digital health, governance, strategy, planning and transformation. He is also the chair or member of a number of boards.

He has been appointed for a period of six months.

All 16 Hospital and Health Services (HHS) in Queensland are governed by a Board. Each Board reports to the Minister of Health, and each Board in turn appoints a HHS Chief Executive. Board responsibilities include the management of health service finances, land, buildings and staff.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008