SA Government announces replacement for outgoing SA Health chief Vickie Kaminski

THE State Government has moved swiftly to replace outgoing SA Health chief executive Vickie Kaminski. Read more about the incoming health chief.

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THE State Government has moved swiftly to replace SA Health chief executive Vickie Kaminski, appointing Dr Christopher McGowan — as predicted in The Advertiser’s Off The Record column on March 23.

Dr McGowan will start in the new role from May 7, despite earlier indications from the State Government that Ms Kaminski may stay until as late as November after being told by the new government it was time for a change.

Health Minister Stephen Wade released a memo to SA Health staff today announcing the change.

“Chris has a wealth of experience in the public and private health care sectors, both here in South Australia and interstate,” Mr Wade said.

Outgoing chief executive Vickie Kaminski

“For the past 10 years, Chris has been the CEO of Silver Chain Group, which incorporates RDNS in South Australia and provides specialist nursing, palliative care, home care and support services, home hospital and allied health services across Western Australia, South Australia and the East Coast.

“Before moving to Western Australia in 2007, Chris was the Executive Director of Population and Primary Health Care for the Southern Adelaide Health Service and oversaw the construction and commissioning of the first of South Australia’s GP Plus health care centres.

“He has also held the role of Chief Executive Officer of Noarlunga Health Services, and has a strong understanding of SA’s public health system.

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“Chris’s knowledge and experience will be a significant asset as we look to implement our election commitments and policies going forward.”

Mr Wade thanked Ms Kaminski for her work in the role and wished her well for the future.

Ms Kaminski intends to return to her native Canada. The former Labor government recruited her to overseer their Transforming Health program, later promoting her to chief executive.

Her exit continues the upheaval in SA Health with a conga line of senior bureaucrats leaving in the past few years.