Wide Bay Health responds after CEO Adrian Pennington loses bid to reclaim job
The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service has responded after a sacked former CEO was denied reinstatement. It says the region has a ‘very experienced leadership team’ in place.
Fraser Coast
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The Wide Bay’s Hospital and Health Service has defended its team and their ability to deliver the “best possible health care” in the wake of its former CEO’s failed attempt to reclaim his job.
Adrian Pennington was terminated as chief executive of Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service by board chair Peta Jamieson in 2019.
Last month Queensland Industrial Relations Commissioner Minna Knight said she was satisfied Mr Pennington’s dismissal was authorised under the Hospital and Health Boards Act.
She found it was not adverse action.
Mr Pennington had said in June 2020 his record spoke for itself and WBHHS had gone from Australia’s worst performing health service to one of the best in the world while he was chief executive.
A spokesman from WBHHS responded to those claims this week, saying the service was a high-performing organisation “with a very experienced executive leadership team and talented, dedicated staff at all levels who work together to deliver the best possible health care to the Wide Bay community”.
“The employment contract of the previous WBHHS Chief Executive, Mr Adrian Pennington, was terminated, effective December 16, 2019.
“Queensland Industrial Relations Commission has ruled against the former Chief Executive.
“There is a right to appeal this decision and as a result it would be inappropriate for WBHHS to make any further comment at this time.”
In his QIRC application, Mr Pennington had claimed Ms Jamieson had contravened sections of the Industrial Relations Act on seven occasions.
Ms Jamieson gave Mr Pennington written notice of his termination of appointment and contract of employment on September 30, 2019, the commission heard.
The minimum notice before termination was one month.
The letter said the termination would take effect on either October 30, that year, or on the date on which the Minister gave approval.
Ms Knight said the Minister approved the termination on December 20, 2019, which meant Mr Pennington was given not one, but almost three months, notice.
Mr Pennington has indicated he will appeal the decision.
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