NORTH West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Board Chair Paul Woodhouse announced today the appointment of the service’s new chief executive officer, Lisa Davies Jones.
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Mr Woodhouse said Ms Davies Jones’s appointment had been approved by Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick following a recommendation from the board.
She will take up the position on 16 May.
“Lisa joins us from Townsville Hospital and Health Service where she was Executive Director of Clinical Governance, and prior to that, Director of Surgical Services,’’ Mr Woodhouse said.
“With a background as a nurse, trained in London, Lisa has had a number of roles in British hospitals around service improvement, general management and operations management.
“Her last role in the United Kingdom before she moved to Australia in September 2013 was Deputy Chief Operations Officer of a large multi-hospital and health service.
“Her wide ranging experience both in the UK and in Townsville will be of immense benefit to the North West Hospital and Health Service.’’
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick praised Ms Davies Jones’ appointment.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Lisa to this role and I have no doubt her experience will prove valuable in leading health service delivery in this region,” he said.
“The North West is a challenging area where our government is focused on front line service delivery, and I am sure the fresh ideas and energy Lisa will bring to this position will support this goal.”
Ms Davies Jones said she saw the opportunity to make a real difference in the North West in terms of delivering improved health outcomes to people in rural and remote communities.
“I think the current situation with the NWHHS is very exciting, with the drive, through the Board, to have a very different approach to health care delivery, meeting the very real and unique challenges of population, distance and remoteness,’’ she said.
“With my operational and clinical background and skill set, with an innovative board and committed staff, I am confident we can influence and improve healthcare outcomes and put in place responsive and sustainable health services for the future of our communities.’’
She said she had spent a lot of time in remote and rural communities and enjoyed the experience.
“It’s all about being close to the people and listening to their priorities,” she said.
Undaunted by the fierce, dry heat of Mount Isa, she and her partner, Matthew, are keen triathletes and are looking forward to testing their mettle in the outback.
The couple have five grown up children between them. Two working in health care, and one of the youngest, a twin, will be joining them soon for his gap year before the 18-year-old begins a geology degree at Sheffield University in the UK.
“This is going to be perfect for him; the timing couldn’t be better!’’ she said.
Mr Woodhouse said he wanted to thank the health service’s interim Chief Executive, Terry Mehan, who has just been appointed as the interim Chief Executive of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.
“Mr Mehan’s extensive background and experience in health has been of invaluable assistance to the health service during his time with us,” Mr Woodhouse said.
