Anita Dow says mass exodus shows lack of control of health portfolio
The mass exodus of executives in Tasmania’s public health system has sparked criticism of the government’s management. LATEST >>
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Labor has slammed the state government’s management of Tasmania’s public health system, after the departure of several senior executives within the span of a few months.
The Mercury revealed on Tuesday Royal Hobart Hospital CEO Susan Gannon resigned last week after accepting a position in Queensland.
She’s not the only CEO out the door, last month it was revealed Launceston General Hospital CEO Jen Duncan had resigned and the North West Regional Hospital CEO Eric Daniels is soon set to retire.
Chief Medical Officer Tony Lawler and Ambulance Tasmania CEO Joe Acker will also soon finish up and NWRH operations director Hayley Elmer and Primary Health North director Fiona Young have already left.
Labor’s health spokesperson, Anita Dow said Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff had lost control of his portfolio.
“It’s incredibly concerning to hear that there has been a string of executive resignations across the Department of Health,” she said.
“This reflects poorly on Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff’s management of the health portfolio, which has resulted in a significant amount of corporate knowledge and expertise walking out the door.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said executives with Tasmanian experience were being recognised for their expertise.
“Senior executive health staff are in high demand across the nation and it is no surprise that we are seeing Tasmanian health leaders being recognised for their incredible work through competitive national and international appointments,” Mr Rockliff said.
“We continue to recruit excellent replacements for these key positions.”
Dr Stephen Ayre will act as interim chief executive while a replacement for Ms Gannon is found.
Mass exodus: Royal Hobart Hospital chief executive Susan Gannon resigns
May 16, 5am
A string of resignations of senior health executives has sparked concerns around the management of Tasmania’s health department, after the sudden resignation of Royal Hobart Hospital chief executive officer, Susan Gannon.
Ms Gannon resigned last week, after accepting a position as CEO of Mackay Hospitals and Health District in Queensland.
“Ms Gannon has worked in key senior executive roles within Hospitals South for the past six years and has made a significant and positive impact, including managing an extensive period of hospital redevelopments and the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Department of Health secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said.
“I would like to thank her for her dedication and commitment to the role and wish her all the best for the future.
Dr Stephen Ayre will fill in as interim chief executive, while a recruitment process is underway.
The news follows the resignation of Launceston General Hospital CEO Jen Duncan last month, and the announcement North-West Regional Hospital CEO Eric Daniels will retire this year.
It’s understood chief medical officer Tony Lawler will also be stepping down after budget estimates next month after accepting a position with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Adding to the list of high ranking departures is Ambulance Tasmania CEO Joe Acker, who will finish up in his role on May 26, along with North West Regional Hospital director of operations Hayley Elmer and Primary Health North director Fiona Young, both of whom have already left.
Australian Medical Association president John Saul said the lack of senior leadership was concerning.
“It’s hard to know where we’re really headed, we’ve lost a lot of senior leadership,” Dr Saul said
“It happens at a time of pretty low morale among our staff sadly.”
Dr Saul said there were recruitment issues across the health sector and anticipated it may be difficult to fill the leadership vacancies.
“It’s certainly a small talent pool because of the high level of expertise we need to run our hospitals,” he said.
“The new CEOs are going to take time to get their feet under the desk and get their heads around the issues, especially if they’re recruited interstate.”
Ms Morgan-Wicks said senior leadership had been stable during the pandemic, but now that it was over, more opportunities were opening up interstate and internationally.
“It is positive to see Tasmanian health leaders being recognised with these competitive appointments and we also recognise the opportunity for fresh thinking and renewal that new leaders bring to improving health outcomes in Tasmania,” she said.
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