Board chairs announced for newly established PathWest and Health Support Services Boards

  • ​Boards to be established from July 1, 2020 to provide additional governance to the health service entities  
  • Professor Christobel Saunders appointed to Chair PathWest
  • Mr Michael Walsh appointed to Chair Health Support Services
  • The State Government has approved the appointment of inaugural Chairs to head up the boards of PathWest and Health Support Services (HSS) when they are formally established on July 1, 2020.

    Professor Christobel Saunders will chair the PathWest Board and Mr Michael Walsh will chair the HSS Board.

    Professor Saunders is recognised internationally and is one of Australia’s most respected research-orientated cancer surgeons. She has made substantial contributions to many clinical aspects of cancer research, most particularly on breast cancer.

    Mr Walsh is a highly regarded senior executive and a former Director General of Queensland Health. He was also chief executive of eHealth NSW and has led a number of large-scale projects, including a team to build three tertiary hospitals in south-east Queensland.

    Both Professor Saunders and Mr Walsh will play a role in selecting members for their respective boards. These Boards will align with the McGowan Government election commitment to increase the total number of women appointed to Government boards and committees to 50 per cent.

    As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:

    “I welcome the appointment of Professor Saunders and Mr Walsh as professionals with the experience and integrity to head up these important WA health system entities.

    “It is essential that our health services have clear and transparent governance, and the creation of boards provides an additional layer of support to their operation.”

    Minister’s office – 6552 6500

    /Public Release. View in full here.