After a tumultuous tenure, Bill Appleby has walked away from the troubled health district. Plus, news from WA, and Telstra Health.
In what seems, superficially at least, to be a win for the Border Medical Association and the Albury Wodonga Health Senior Medical Staff Association, the CEO of Albury Wodonga Health, Bill Appleby, has resigned, effective immediately.
As recently as Wednesday 11 March, Mr Appleby and board chair Jonathan Green were the target of a unanimous no-confidence vote, the second time the executive management of the troubled health district has been given the thumbs down by staff.
That followed the suspension of Dr David Clancy – director of emergency and intensive care services at Albury-Wodonga Hospital and the deputy chair of the BMA – on 4 March.
Safer Care Victoria recently completed a review into AWH’s workplace culture and although SCV told HSD that the report was “confidential and legally privileged under the Health Services Act” it is believed to be damning of the management.
Led by chief quality and safety officer Louise McKinlay, the independent review’s recommendations will be top of the agenda on Wednesday, when Mr Appleby’s interim replacement, Professor Andrew Way – former 15-year CEO of Alfred Health, starts with AWH.
“The Board acknowledges Bill’s contribution and thanks him for his leadership and commitment to the service and the community,” said Mr Green.
Mr Appleby said it had been a “privilege” to lead AWH, a job he began in 2022.
“I would like to thank our staff and volunteers who turn up each day to do their very best, to deliver high quality, safe, compassionate care to our patients and their families,” he said.
“I would also like to thank the AWH Board and Executive Team for their steadfast leadership in implementing much needed transformation across this critically important health service.”
Gannon steps away from committee role
Dr Michael Gannon’s term as chair and member of the WA Perinatal and Infant Mortality Committee has come to an end.
Dr Gannon was the RANZCOG representative on the committee for 15 years, serving as deputy chair for three years and as chair for the past four years.
“The committee’s work highlights where our health system excels and where it can improve,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
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“Its independence from government and bureaucracy is important, ensuring that our reporting and feedback to doctors enhances the quality of care delivered to mothers and babies.
“I am satisfied that the Committee’s immediate future is in capable hands under the leadership of my friend and colleague Associate Professor Scott White.
“I am enormously proud of the clinical work and research that I have contributed to in stillbirth prevention and care of the bereaved over the years.
“This work honours those that have suffered the pain of losing a child. There is no greater anguish or hurt. Attempts to prevent stillbirth and infant death in the care we deliver every day, and caring for those who have been tragically affected, is at the heart of the care we provide as clinicians.”
Appointment at Telstra Health
Former senior marketing lead Maryanne Atkins has been promoted to growth marketing manager (enterprise, brand and operations) at Telstra Health.
“I’ll be focused on driving enterprise growth marketing and thought leadership, while continuing to lift operational excellence across brand and marketing. Grateful for the opportunity and excited for what’s ahead,” she wrote on LinkedIn.