Epworth Geelong says transformation on track despite manager turnover

Epworth Hospital at Geelong says they are ‘absolutely on track’ to achieve $20m plan despite having three executive general managers in 12 months.

Scott Norman, executive director at Epworth Geelong.

Epworth Geelong says its five-year plan to continue to develop the hospital into a world-leading service is “absolutely on track”, despite appointing a third executive general manager in 12 months.

Scott Norman has been the executive general manager of Epworth Geelong for the past three months, replacing Michael Mitchell who lasted only seven months in the position.

Mr Mitchell, who was touted as the man who was going to lead the $20m transformation, took on the role after the departure of Leonie Lloyd.

A spokesman for Epworth said Mr Norman was now leading the change.

“The five-year plan to continue to develop the hospital into a world-leading service is absolutely on track thanks to the hard work, passion and professionalism of all staff and visiting doctors who are committed to the hospital’s goal,” the spokesman said.

“Mr Norman has established a strong rapport with front line staff and in the wards, as well as with surgeons and other medical specialists fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that reflects his deep understanding of Epworth’s values.”

Epworth hospital staff with Scott Norman, executive general manager at Epworth Geelong.

The spokesman said Epworth Geelong had very low staff vacancies, nearly two years after the hospital’s maternity ward closed, which Epworth attributed to an increasing lack of clinical staff.

The decision to close the ward sparked community outrage.

This year the Waurn Ponds hospital has taken on 25 nursing graduates and also announced that the “world-leading” concussion clinic is now fully operating and treating patients.

The spokesman also said ambulance attendances have also increased and that orthopaedic capacity has grown.

“These significant advancements are part of the $20m spent at Epworth Healthcare Geelong to significantly increase hospital beds and operating theatres and further develop the region’s only neurosurgical service,” he said.

Wendy Watson has also been appointed the new director of clinical services at Epworth Geelong, and brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, having held executive leadership, operational, and professional roles across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Mr Mitchell declined to comment on factors which led to his resignation.

Originally published as Epworth Geelong says transformation on track despite manager turnover