- A seasoned executive has been appointed Chair of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Board.
- The new board boasts a diverse range of expertise, encompassing general practice, business, local government, community services, sector development, law, and finance.
- As outlined in the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011, Boards are responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the management of their respective HHS in healthcare delivery.
An eight-person board with experience in general practice, business, local council, community services, sector development, law, and finance has been appointed to govern the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (HHS).
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman announced the newly appointed board, which will be led by Christopher (Chris) Boland.
Mr Boland has been a board member since 2017 and brings extensive senior executive experience, having served as the Chief Executive Officer of Far North Queensland Ports Corporation for the past 14 years.
Currently, Mr Boland also chairs the Cairns and Hinterland HHS Audit Committee and has been a member of the HHS Finance and Performance Committee since 2017.
New Board members include Dr Aileen Traves, Bevan Ah Kee, Louise Prychidczuk and Julia Leu.
Dr Traves brings a wealth of experience across general practice, research, and education.
Mr Ah Kee has experience in senior executive roles, particularly in the areas of health and social services of our First Nations people.
Ms Prychidczuk is an experienced legal practitioner and advisor to industry, local governments, and remote and indigenous communities, with a particular interest in the risk and audit fields.
Ms Leu, a local council veteran with over 25 years’ experience including Mayor of the Douglas Shire Council, also joins the board.
Mr Gregory Nucifora has renewed his membership for another term and joins Mr Boland and two continuing members still within their current term.
The new board, which will set the strategic direction and oversee the management of the Cairns and Hinterland HHS, consists of:
- Mr Christopher (Chris) Boland (Chair)
- Dr Aileen Traves
- Mr Bevan Ah Kee
- Mr Gregory Nucifora
- Ms Louise Prychidczuk
- Ms Julia Leu
- Ms Fiona Jose
- Ms Jodi Peters
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:
“I am pleased Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has been able to attract such experienced, knowledgeable, and well-respected individuals to its board this year.
“The four new members joining are all leaders in their respective fields and bring with them key skills and experience.
“I know they will make a positive impact and look forward to working with them to deliver safe and timely healthcare for the Cairns community.
“I also extend my sincere gratitude to outgoing Chair Dr Clive Skarott AM for his dedicated service and leadership since 2017.”
