- Department of Health Director General is retiring after a 40-year career dedicated to improving the health of Western Australians
- Dr Shirley Bowen’s retirement will take effect end of February 2027
- A nationwide recruitment process will be undertaken
Department of Health Director General Dr Shirley Bowen has announced her retirement after four decades of distinguished service in medicine and senior health leadership.
Dr Bowen has been the head of the State’s biggest public sector agency since May 2024 and will have served in the role for nearly three years at the time of her retirement on 26 February 2027.
As WA health system leader, Dr Bowen worked collaboratively with chief executives of WA’s Health Service Providers to make system-wide decisions, set priorities, and co-ordinate health service delivery across the State.
Against the backdrop of the significant increase in demand for health services, population growth, rapid technological evolution, and the needs of an ageing community, Dr Bowen has restructured the department to position it to lead the system into the future.
Dr Bowen announces her retirement as WA emerges from the peak winter season, following the successful implementation of the 2026 Winter Strategy which saw a reduction in ambulance ramping compared to 2025 across all winter months despite a sustained increase in demand.
Before taking on the role of Director General, Dr Bowen also served as the Chief Executive of the North Metropolitan Health Service, CEO of St John of God Subiaco, Chief Health Officer of the Australian Capital Territory, Executive Director of Fremantle Hospital, and the Dean of the School of Medicine at The University of Notre Dame Australia.
Through her career, Dr Bowen built a reputation for her deep knowledge and expertise across all health domains and an unwavering focus on creating a stronger future for public health services.
WA Health is the biggest public sector agency in the State, with a Budget of $16.25 billion and workforce of more than 65,000 staff.
A nationwide search will be undertaken to appoint the next Director General of the Department of Health.
As stated by Health and Preventative Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“I thank Dr Bowen for her outstanding leadership of the Department of Health and previously at the North Metropolitan Health Service.
“In her time at the Department of Health Dr Bowen has undertaken reforms that will benefit Western Australia’s health system well into the future, including completion of the State Health Operations Centre.
“Her deep knowledge and experience across all aspects of health, combined with her passion for person-centered, safe, and high-quality care has set the foundation for sustained improvement in health service delivery across the State.
“Under her leadership, amongst her many achievements, Dr Bowen has helped steer the 2026 Winter Strategy, facilitate the historic rollout of FluMist, and prepare the public health system to welcome a new hospital in Mount Lawley Hospital.
“I wish Dr Bowen the very best for her well-deserved retirement.”
As stated by Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey:
“Dr Bowen has demonstrated tireless commitment to our public health system.
“I have repeatedly seen her dedication, passion, and commitment in action – and her leadership to drive reforms for health service delivery.”
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
“I’m very grateful for her leadership and ambition for the Western Australian health research and innovation sector which has helped position our State as a global destination for health and medical research, supporting better health outcomes for the WA community.”
As stated by Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk:
“Dr Shirley Bowen’s commitment to the health of our growing ageing population should be commended.
“She has driven key initiatives to better support older Western Australians, with a focus on ensuring people get the right care and support to meet their needs, while affording dignity and agency for them and their families in decision-making about their lives.
“I know in retirement she’ll enjoy spending more time with her family, including her elderly mother. I thank her for her contribution to our health system and our State.”
