South West Hospital and Health Service announce new executive director of medical services Dr Carl de Wet

Southwest health has revealed their new head doctor and how he plans to bring innovation, diversity and sustainability to the region. Here’s his remarkable story.

South West Hospital and Health Service announce new Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Carl de Wet. Picture: Supplied.

A new executive director of medical services has been appointed at the South West Hospital and Health Service following the the departure of Dr Debra Tennett in July this year.

Earlier this week South West HHS chief executive Dr Anthony Brown revealed Dr Carl de Wet was the successful applicant for the role.

“Dr de Wet comes to us from the Gold Coast and will take up his new position in Roma from November 1,’’ Dr Brown said.

“He brings to our health service more than 22 years’ experience in a wide range of healthcare settings and understands the critical importance of respectful, effective collaboration and communication.

“Most recently, he was clinical director, specialist medical services, for the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service.

“This role provides medical leadership for the specialist medical services clinical business

unit, comprising cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and forensic medicine.

South West Hospital and Health Service announce new Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Carl de Wet. Picture: Supplied.

“He is also currently the clinical governance lead for the division of medicine, chair the

clinical incident review committee (CIRC) and a member of the clinical governance

committee and its related committees and working groups, including accreditation, new

technologies, and education and training.”

Dr de Wet said he was excited to join the South West Hospital and Health Service team and contribute to improving health outcomes in rural and remote Queensland.

“The Australian healthcare system is grappling with unprecedented challenges; and we have an opportunity in the South West to practically demonstrate how to make excellent care

sustainable,’’ he said.

“We can do this through innovation, respect for diversity, and effective collaboration. No one

can whistle a symphony – it requires a whole orchestra.’’

Adding to his already impressive resume, Dr de Wet headed Queensland’s state-wide Covid-19 response in his role as primary care lead.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic he was the primary care lead for Queensland’s state-wide

response and liaised between Queensland Health, various committees, the State Health

Emergency Co-ordination Centre and primary care stakeholders,” Dr Brown said.

“He has a passion for patient safety and led the design, implementation, and evaluation of a

wide range of initiatives, tools, and resources to improve clinical governance and care quality.

Roma Hospital.

“Dr de Wet’s goals align with our South West values and he is looking forward to inspiring,

innovating and improving the quality of healthcare to increase the wellness of consumers,

communities and clinicians and to contribute to the vision of sustainable excellence as a clinical leader.’’

Dr Brown said Dr de Wet will replace the former head doctor, Dr Debra Tennett, who left in late July 2023 after two years with the South West HHS.

“Dr Tennett worked tirelessly to help bridge the medical gap in rural and remote communities, recognising the unique challenges they face and developing innovative strategies to overcome them,’’ Dr Brown said.

“Her contributions have left a lasting mark on our medical team and have helped shape our

service into one that prioritises the well-being of every individual we serve.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to Dr Sonya Kelly who has ably filled the role as acting executive director of medical services since Dr Tennett left at the end of July.

“Dr Kelly has provided strong leadership and continuity for our health service while we

undertook an extensive recruitment for a permanent replacement for the position.’’