KERANG District Health (KDH) has seen major changes during the past eight months, with many noticing some new faces around the community.
With the departure of Robert Jarman in late 2021 and Peter Jones in early 2022, KDH chief executive Kellie Byron-Gray said the first half of the year has been focused on building a new executive team.
Recruitment strategies to fill the director roles have been successful, and Ms Byron-Gray has introduced the two new executive directors, Toby Harrison and Simon Bullow, to the Kerang community.
Director of corporate business Toby Harrison commenced at KDH in early July. Previously Mr Harrison had provided corporate oversight for KDH from early April while Mr Jones transitioned to his official retirement.
Mr Harrison works four days per week at KDH and one day a week at Swan Hill District Health (SHDH) in a shared service arrangement. He was formerly a finance manager at SHDH, and brings in-depth analysis skills and fresh eyes to the corporate business role.
“The modern facilities and the collaboration between all members of staff regardless of their position really stand out at KDH,” Mr Harrison said.
Director of clinical services Simon Bullow commenced at KDH early in June. Mr Bullow’s hometown is Bendigo, and he has worked with Bendigo Health for the past 22 years. He brings strong clinical management, leadership and team building skills to this role.
Ms Byron-Gray, who was the former director of clinical services, said Mr Bullow has transitioned into the role with ease.
Meanwhile, Meagan-Jane Adams joined the KDH team in late April initially as the quality and risk manager, and more recently as the Glenarm nurse unit manager. Ms Adams has been instrumental in co-ordinating the recent Glenarm accreditation survey, with KDH pleased to announce that Glenarm has been re-accredited for a further three years.
Ms Bryon-Gray acknowledged the hard work and commitment shown by the aged care staff under ongoing COVID and respiratory illnesses affecting the workforce.
Ms Adams also hails from Bendigo and has worked with Bendigo Health for some years, bringing to the team strong clinical, consumer engagement, quality and project skills.
“It is more than just working for a health service, it’s becoming part of a community,” Ms Adams said.
KDH has also welcomed Alva Connelly into the role of Aboriginal health liaison officer. Ms Connelly has worked extensively across mental health services, crisis care, Njernda Aboriginal Corporation Echuca, MDAS Swan Hill, Aboriginal services, disability services, and holds an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health first aid certificate among other credentials.
Aunty Ester Kirby retired earlier this year and was farewelled with an official smoking ceremony in the KDH Koori garden after nine years of service.
Ms Byron-Gray said KDH was lucky to have such an important role.
Ms Connelly is co-ordinating KDH’s Aboriginal Cultural Safety Action Plan and building relationships with MDAS and other services in the region.
Mr Bryon-Gray will provide an update on the KDH strategic plan actions in coming weeks.
In the meantime, she encourages the community to check the KDH website (www.kdh.org.au) and watch the new recruitment video, and also to check out the KDH Facebook page.
