Northern Adelaide Local Health Network boss Maree Geraghty resigns suddenly

The chief executive of a major SA Health network has resigned suddenly, leaving officials juggling staff to fill the job until a replacement is found.

The boss of one of South Australia’s largest health networks has resigned suddenly.

Maree Geraghty, chief executive of the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) which covers the Lyell McEwin Hospital and Modbury Hospital, finishes up today.

Officials are scrambling to fill the vital role, putting another NALHN executive in the job as stop gap measure and trying to “backfill” that now-vacant position.

NALHN board chair Professor Judy Searle thanked Ms Geraghty for her service since commencing in January 2019 and working as chief executive of Country Health SA since July 2013.

“After spending Christmas in Queensland with her family including her granddaughter and with a second grandchild on the way, Maree has made the hard decision that now is the right time to embark on a new phase in her life,” Prof Searle said in a memo to staff.

“As chief executive officer Maree has been instrumental in the establishment of the Northern Adelaide Health and Wellbeing Partnership, introducing the inaugural NALHN Staff Awards and overseeing the major redevelopment at Modbury Hospital and the expansion of services at Lyell McEwin Hospital.

NALHN’s chief Maree Geraghty has resigned. Picture: Supplied

NALHN interim CEO Karen Puvogel. Picture: Supplied

“The board acknowledges the leadership that she has provided to the Local Health Network over many years, as well as her achievements and challenges that she has faced in the role.

“The Board appreciates her sincere approach to the effective management of the Local Health Network and recognises the growth of NALHN through such leadership.

“We wish Maree all the best for her future endeavours.”

NALHN’s chief operating officer Ms Karen Puvogel will be interim chief executive officer and arrangements to cover that role “will be announced shortly”, Prof Searle said.

Most recently, in December, Ms Geraghty committed to making changes to the Forensic Mental Health Service which includes James Nash House after a review confirmed disturbing complaints about a culture of bullying.

SA Health now has around 47,000 employees, Health Minister Chris Picton has revealed, as it continues to recruit to fulfil election commitments including its aim to “fix” ramping.