Mackay Hospital CEO Susan Gannon resigns after leading scandal recovery
The leader tasked with rebuilding trust at scandal-plagued Mackay hospital service has resigned. The news comes just weeks after it was revealed a review into the hospital sparked a statewide audit.
A health service leader has announced her resignation, closing a chapter defined by recovery efforts after a damning obstetrics scandal involving at least three deaths rocked the Mackay region.
This comes following revelations a review into Mackay Hospital and Health Service sparked a statewide audit around hiring policies made during a period of upheaval for the troubled service.
Susan Gannon stepped into the MHHS chief executive role in June 2023 following the mass sacking of the board and the shock resignation of her predecessor Lisa Davies-Jones.
She was tasked with rebuilding trust after systemic failures in Mackay’s obstetrics and gynaecology departments came to light following a wave of complaints from women who suffered complications during caesarean procedures at Mackay Base Hospital.
The fallout resulted in a damning independent report that exposed significant shortcomings in patient care and safety.
In July 2025 it was also revealed a review commissioned in January by Queensland Health examined how 37 senior medical officers were hired by MHHS between January 2023 and December 2024 and credentialed.
“Susan has steered Mackay HHS through a significant period of recovery and renewal over the past two and a half years and we have been grateful to have someone with her depth of experience in the role,” MHHS board chair Helen Darch said.
“We received strong external validation of our progress during the recent accreditation process conducted by the National Safety and Quality Health Service assessors. Their positive feedback highlights the results of the team’s hard work under Susan’s leadership.”
While Ms Gannon said she had not been actively looking to leave Mackay career opportunity arose in Victoria where her family was based.
“I have been working interstate for the past 10 years and this presents a chance for me to return home,” she said.
“However, the true strength of this health service lies in its team.”
Ms Gannon said she was proud of the achievements of the health service during her time in the role.
“Since I began in June 2023, Mackay HHS has opened two new hospitals in Sarina and Moranbah,” she said.
“We’ve launched several initiatives to improve patient care, including the Transit Care Hub, the PODSS rapid access service, and the Safe Harbour crisis support service.
“We’ve also seen growth in medical research, in fields such as falls prevention, diabetes, coeliac disease, and mental health.
“Looking ahead, exciting developments include the expansion of Mackay Base Hospital to add more beds, a multistorey car park with a rooftop helipad, and an offsite birth centre.”
Ms Darch confirmed that interim arrangements would be put in place to fill the role once Ms Gannon leaves on 3 October.
