United Nations medical director to return to Qld in key post

She spearheaded the United Nations’ responses to ebola, zika and COVID-19. Now, this esteemed doctor is returning to Australia to take up a key role with Queensland Health.

A woman who has led the United Nations response to outbreaks of ebola, zika and in recent months, the coronavirus pandemic, will return to Brisbane in June to take up a key appointment with Queensland Health.

Former Rockhampton schoolgirl Jillann Farmer has been appointed as head of Clinical Excellence Queensland after spending the past eight years as the UN’s medical director.

She was due to return home in May but at the personal request of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Dr Farmer agreed to stay on at the UN until June to assist with the ongoing response to COVID-19.

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Dr Jillann Farmer when she was Director of Medical Services for Caboolture Hospital. Photo: Grant Parker

Queensland Health Director-General John Wakefield announced Dr Farmer’s new appointment today, saying she had worked for many years as a doctor, health service executive and improvement leader in both regional and metropolitan areas of the state.

Before leaving Brisbane for the UN, Dr Farmer was the medical director of Queensland Health’s Patient Safety Centre, disbanded by the Newman Government.

“It’s fair to say few careers have taken the upward trajectory that Dr Farmer’s has. She

comes back to Queensland Health via New York, where she’s performed one of the most senior medical leadership roles within the United Nations,” Dr Wakefield said.

“Dr Farmer has functioned as the Surgeon-General equivalent for UN troops deployed in

peacekeeping missions, while also being the director of civilian healthcare in United

Nations’ facilities worldwide. She has been in charge of the UN’s internal response to major

disease outbreaks such as ebola, zika and now COVID-19, experience that will serve

Queenslanders well.”

Dr Farmer is credited with instituting significant healthcare improvements across Queensland, including the introduction of Ryan’s Rule, which allows public hospital patients or their families to seek an urgent clinical review of their treatment if they are unsatisfied with their care.

She said she was humbled to return home having sharpened her medical experience

on the worldwide stage.

“This is a key role, focusing on patient care and safety, improving efficiency in our

hospitals and helping transform digital service delivery,” Dr Farmer said.

“It’s a big role that helps shape some of the core values we strive for in Queensland Health

and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I grew up in Rockhampton and I’ve worked in Maryborough and Manhattan, in Laidley and

Liberia. Wherever I go and wherever I work, I’m committed to helping clinicians help

patients.”