Infectious diseases expert Krispin Hajkowicz considered for chief health officer position

One of the state’s top infectious diseases experts is being considered to replace Jeannette Young as the state’s chief health officer after interviewing for the top job.

An infectious diseases expert is being considered to replace Jeannette Young as the state’s chief health officer when she becomes Queensland’s Governor on November 1.

It’s understood the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital’s director of infectious diseases Krispin Hajkowicz was one of a number of people interviewed for the top job.

Krispin Hajkowicz is Royal Brisbane Hospital’s director of infectious diseases. Picture: Annette Dew

Queensland Health late last week refused to reveal what stage the recruitment process to replace Dr Young – which went global – was at, despite there being just six weeks to go.

A spokeswoman said Queensland Health was “confident” a new CHO would be appointed before November 1 and that a comprehensive handover would take place.

Jeannette Young will become Queensland Governor on November 1. NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

It was last week announced that Peter Aitken and Lynne McKinlay would join James Smith as the new deputy CHO’s, with the trio to report to Dr Young before she becomes Governor.

Dr Young has been the state’s top medico for 16 years.