May 13, 2016
The South Burnett now has just one representative on the board of the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service following the announcement of new Board members on Friday.
In November last year, the State Government invited applications from the public to fill six of the positions on the nine-person Board which were due to expire.
The new faces which will take up their positions on the Board on May 18 are:
- Corinne Butler – Ms Butler has a background in business and human resources, and was the previous chair of Destination Southern Downs. She says she is passionate about working with people and helping them to recognise their full potential.
- Dr Ruth Terwijn – Dr Terwijn is an academic who has authored many publications; she lectures at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba and won the USQ Award for excellence in Teaching (Early Career) in 2010.
Reappointed to the Board were chairman Mike Horan, deputy chairman Dr Dennis Campbell, Megan O’Shannessy and Marie Pietsch.
They will join Dr Ross Hetherington, Trish Leddington-Hill and South Burnett representative Cheryl Dalton who were re-appointed to serve a four-year term in May 2014.
The other South Burnett representative on the Board, Terry Fleischfresser – whose term was expiring – was not reappointed.
Cr Fleischfresser was elected to represent Division 4 at the recent South Burnett local government election.
Appointments on the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Board are staggered so they do not expire at the same time.
- Related article: Applications Invited For Regional Health Board
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UPDATE May 18:
Mike Horan said he was honoured to continue as Board Chairman.
“I believe one of the strengths of the Board structure since July 2012 has been having strong representation from rural communities and that is set to continue with both the continuing and new Board members,” he said.
“I welcome to the Board Warwick resident Corinne Butler, who has a background in business and human resources and is the Chair of Destination Southern Downs, and Dr Ruth Terwijn, an accomplished academic who has authored many publications and lectured at the University of
Southern Queensland in Toowoomba.
“They join an experienced and dedicated Board that is committed to improving patient care and supporting staff development.
“We are very proud of the health service’s achievements over the past four years in meeting national targets for access to emergency treatment, on-time elective surgery, no one waiting longer than clinically recommended for an outpatient appointment, and reduced waits for dental
treatment.”
Mr Horan said hosting every second Board meeting in a rural area had worked well in setting the health service’s direction.
“We will continue to travel right across the health service to hear first-hand from staff and local stakeholders about the issues that affect them.”
Mr Horan commended the work of outgoing Board members Dr Jeff Prebble, who has retired, and Terry Fleischfresser.
“I would like to thank them for their hard work and commitment on the Board since its inception in July 2012.Their contribution has been greatly valued.”
