Board boss ends reign
Stekelenburg to step down as Barwon Health chairman
BARWON Health is now searching for two key leaders after board chair John Stekelenburg announced his retirement.
Dr Stekelenburg’s six-year reign will end on June 30, at the completion of his second term.
The announcement of his departure comes just a month after the immediate resignation of beleaguered Barwon Health CEO Belinda Moyes.
Ms Moyes had left the organisation just 10 months into a three-year contract, to take up a departmental role as a strategic adviser on national workforce reform.
Western Health CEO Alex Cockram was appointed to oversee Barwon Health for three months, while a permanent new chief executive was found.
Dr Stekelenburg oversaw Barwon Health’s biggest capital works program in the organisation’s history, and helped secure funding for improved services in Geelong’s northern suburbs.
“Six years is a long time, and I’ve given my everything to the Geelong community,” Dr Stekelenburg told the Geelong Advertiser. “It’s just time to move on.” Acting Health Minister Martin Foley said the Department of Health and Human Services would be seeking to appoint a new board chair as soon as possible.
“The people of Geelong and the broader Barwon region have benefited from Dr Stekelenburg’s leadership,” Mr Foley said.
“I thank him for his years of service and wish him well for the future.”
Barwon Health has had a tumultuous past 12 months, posting a $13.8 million deficit in 2015-16.
The precarious position saw the State Government appoint its own troubleshooter to the board and carry out an independent financial audit.
Professor Moyes, who started last July, was forced to appear before a South Australian parliamentary committee to answer questions over her role in a chemotherapy underdosing scandal at her previous job in Adelaide.
“Serious deficiencies” in the supervision of patients at Geelong’s mental health service were also uncovered in November.
Dr Stekelenburg was appointed chair of Barwon Health in 2011, under the Baillieu Liberal Government.
Under his management, Barwon Health was twice named Victoria’s Regional Health Service of the Year.
Board chair deputy Mike Feehan said Dr Stekelenburg had led the organisation through a transformative period, with a suite of developments and new projects.
“Dr Stekelenburg will be remembered for the pivotal role he played in securing funding to deliver improved health services for the northern suburbs of Geelong and his focus on ensuring a commitment to quality care,” Mr Feehan said.
“Dr Stekelenburg has been at the heart of Barwon Health and this is demonstrated in his strong commitment to the organisation’s volunteers who embraced him as a leader.
“His community focus enabled Barwon Health to increase its volunteer base from 600 in 2011-12 to more than 1300 in 2017.”