South Gippsland Hospital Chair steps down

FOSTER’S South Gippsland Hospital (SGH) Board of Directors Chair Sue Pilkington is stepping down after six years in the leadership role, as well as away from the Board at the end of her nine-year directorship tenure, on Friday, June 30, 2023

SGH Chief Executive Officer Paul Greenhalgh said that since becoming Chair in July 2017, Ms Pilkington “has led SGH through the toughest time in recent history, namely the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet produced an incredible outcome for the Corner Inlet community.”

Paul noted several highlights during the past six years at SGH, including the COVID-19 response, and growth in Community Care services such as Victoria’s first Seniors Day Stay program, the start of Home Care Packages, the Positive Ageing program, the Community Transport partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and increased District Nursing and Allied Health services.

He also cited major capital investment in conjunction with great success in securing State and Federal government funding resulting in $5 million worth of capital works, including SGH’s new operating theatre and maternity suite, the Banksia Centre’s refurbishment, and the redesigned Acute Ward and Urgent Care Centre as further examples.

SGH has also been able to upgrade its information and communications technology network, security systems, and fire protection systems, along with renewing and improving medical and non-medical equipment such as an anaesthetic machine, steriliser, an osmosis unit, boiler, electrical switchboards, and generators.

“It’s been such a great honour to have been Board Chair of SGH for the past six years and to have been part of the team that delivered such significant benefit to this health service and to our community,” Ms Pilkington said.

“Grateful thanks are especially due to the members of our local community for their generosity to the health service and for trusting us with their care.

Ms Pilkington said she wanted to “particularly acknowledge the work of the Hospital Auxiliary and the incredible contribution of its members, both past and present to SGH and our community.

“Thank you to our CEOs and executives, and to the SGH Board – past and present - for the valuable contribution every person has made to the high-quality health service we see today.

“Thank you to every one of our SGH staff for the expertise and dedication they bring to the health service every day, no matter what else is going on,” Ms Pilkington said.

“And, of course, ongoing thanks must go to all of the medical officers at the Foster Medical Centre for their work with SGH.”

“I am glad that I have been able to be of service to the Hospital and to this community.”