May 20, 2014
South Burnett representative Cheryl Dalton has been reappointed to the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board.
The Board is responsible for managing health services across the South Burnett, Toowoomba, Darling Downs, Southern Downs and part of the Western Downs.
Mrs Dalton, a former South Burnett Regional councillor, will rejoin Kingaroy businessman Terry Fleischfresser on the Board; Mr Fleischfresser’s role was not due to expire.
Other Board members to be reappointed are Dr Ross Hetherington from the Southern Downs, and Dr Ian Keys and Ms Trish Leddington-Hill, from the Western Downs.
“I welcome the Health Minister’s endorsement of our recommendation to reappoint each of the candidates,” Board Chair Mr Mike Horan said.
“Each of the Board members has worked hard and provided great insights into how best to steer the direction of the hospital and health service.
“I am proud of the whole Board and its achievements since local management was established in July 2012.
“The Board has worked closely with the health service executive to make decisions which have enabled big improvements to patient care in each of the communities we serve.
“I congratulate all of them on their reappointment and look forward to continuing to work with them.”
Mr Horan said achievements since the local Board structure was introduced included:
- By the end of 2013, no patients are waiting longer than clinically recommended for elective surgery. This success is continuing in 2014.
- More patients are being seen sooner in emergency departments. In the first quarter of 2014, at least 83 per cent of patients received treatment within four hours, compared with 65 per cent two years ago.
- The waiting list for general dental care has been slashed by 80 per cent between March 2013 and March this year.
- Work has started on a $50.6 million backlog maintenance program to rejuvenate buildings and other facilities across HHS over four years.
Mr Horan said the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board managed 20 hospitals, five outpatients’ clinics, and six residential aged care facilities.
Two Board members were appointed from each of these geographical areas to provide strong local knowledge, plus a nursing representative.
Ms Dalton, Dr Hetherington, and Ms Leddington-Hill have been reappointed for four years, and Dr Keys for one (so not all terms expire at the same time).
Continuing Board members are Mr Mike Horan (Chair); Dr Dennis Campbell and Dr Jeff Prebble (Toowoomba); Mr Terry Fleischfresser (South Burnett); Ms Marie Pietsch (Southern Downs); and Ms Megan O’Shannessy (nursing representative).
