GSHS unveils new executive team

GIPPSLAND Southern Health (GSHS) has unveiled a new-look executive team and structure designed to improve the quality of local services.

The five-person executive is led by CEO Lou Sparkes and includes Executive Director Clinical Services Jenny Dempster, Executive Director Finance and Corporate Services Jason O’Reilly, Executive Director People, Culture and Experience Kimberley Roberts and the newest member of the team, Executive Director Medical Services Dr Angela Williams.

“Jenny is providing experience and oversight to increase the quality of our clinical services and ensure they are in line with our strategic plan,” Ms Sparkes said.

Ms Dempster is focusing on improving aged care services in line with reforms, working with the team to develop a new medical model to enhance GSHS’s urgent care service provision, and looking at ways to increase local inpatient medical and surgical care.

As part of the new role, acute and primary care services at both Leongatha and Korumburra campuses have been brought together under Ms Dempster’s oversight to improve connection and coordination.

While Mr O’Reilly takes on a broader role under the expanded finance and corporate services banner, the newly created People, Culture and Experience portfolio focuses on staff and the experience that patients, clients and families have when they use GSHS services.

This includes oversight on the new GSHS quality team, Best Care, which has been created to support clinicians to provide the best possible care.

The latest addition to the team is Director of Medical Services Dr Williams, who has come to GSHS after a long career in forensic medicine. Dr Williams said she was enjoying her new role working as part of a team to ensure GSHS delivers high quality healthcare to the community.

“My role involves contributing to the medical and organisational culture, and supporting all the treating teams to ensure people coming to the hospital feel like their care is all about them.”

Dr Williams said she had been looking for a fresh start after working for nearly 25 years in forensic medicine.

“I wanted to work in a setting where healthcare is delivered directly to the community and you can connect with people,” she said.

This is Dr Williams’ first rural appointment. She is undertaking a similar part-time role with Yea and District Memorial Hospital and has a number of board governance appointments. 

Ms Sparkes said the new team structure had a strong focus on improving services and experiences.w