Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre chair quits after beds debacle

THE chair of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has resigned less than a fortnight after the Andrews Government dumped the hospital’s plan for a new private wing.

Peter Macallum Cancer Centre East Melbourne. Picture:Andrew Batsch

THE chair of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has resigned less than a fortnight after the Andrews Government dumped the hospital’s plan for a new private wing.

Wendy Harris QC met with Health Minister Jill Hennessy this afternoon, and told Ms Hennessy she wanted to quit.

Her resignation was accepted and will be effective immediately.

The Herald Sun revealed last week that Ms Harris was considering her position after the government rejected the board’s plan for 42 private beds in its new home at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

It is understood that there had been disquiet among other board members about the way that issue was handled by Ms Harris after the story broke.

Ms Harris told board members last week she was stunned by the government’s decision, after previous state and federal governments had endorsed the private beds plan for the VCCC’s 13th floor.

A heads of agreement had been signed by a private operator, but the final contract needed government sign-off.

Premier Daniel Andrews has defended his decision to scrap the private wing, saying “every square inch” should be reserved for public use.

However, up to $20 million in philanthropic donations are now at risk, after benefactors provided money on the understanding there would be a new private facility.

In a statement this afternoon, Ms Hennessy thanked Ms Harris for her service.

“This was a decision made by Ms Harris,” Ms Hennessy said.

“I have accepted Ms Harris’ resignation and thanked her for her service.

“I have asked Suzanne Ewart to act as Chair of the Board until a new Chair is appointed. Ms Ewart has been a Director on the Board since October 2011.

“I am extremely proud of the work of Peter Mac, Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer treatment, research and education.

“Peter Mac is a key project partner of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, which will be a state-of-the-art facility that will deliver cancer research, care and treatment for all Victorians.”

Shadow Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said the Premier’s handling of Peter Mac had led to Ms Harris’ resignation.

“Wendy is a highly respected board chair and has voted with her feet as a result of Daniel Andrews’ continued political interference in the operations of Peter Mac,” she said.

“The fact remains, Daniel Andrews has ripped 42 new hospital beds from the new Peter Mac cancer centre and cost it $20 million in philanthropic funding.”