Whiteside Leads Aspen Medical
Aspen Medical’s acting CEO, Gavin Whiteside, has taken over operations in Fiji following the resignation of his predecessor, Annette Owttrim. While Ms Owttrim returns to Western Australia, Mr Whiteside will continue to build upon the world-class healthcare service that has been established for Fijians. Mr Whiteside is thrilled to be back in his first home, and acknowledged that although much has been accomplished, there was still more work to be done.
“Annette leaves behind an incredible team. Her passion for the people of Fiji has been well noted.”
Aspen Medical’s task in Fiji is to upgrade the management, healthcare infrastructure, and delivery of health services at the Lautoka and Ba hospitals.
Mr Whiteside, who is a Fijian and Australian citizen, brings significant experience in managing health facilities and working across the Pacific, including in the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Nauru, and Papua New Guinea (PNG).
His outstanding management of the company’s PNG business earned him the Aspen Medical Employee of the Year award.
Ms Owttrim, who has been with Aspen Medical for 19 years, has played a significant role in shaping the company into one of the world’s leading providers of healthcare solutions.
Her last day in the office is next Friday.
“It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to have served the incredible people of Fiji over the past few years,” she said.
“I have made lifelong friends whilst I have been in this amazing country. I thank my team, FNPF and the Government of Fiji for their support and patience as we set about bringing world-class healthcare to Fiji.”
Under Ms Owttrim’s leadership, Ba and Lautoka hospitals were successfully transitioned to Aspen Medical to manage as public hospitals last April.
Since then, Fiji has seen ongoing cardiac surgeries, investment in state-of-the-art clinical equipment, including X-ray and mammogram machines, a commitment to employing people with disabilities, and working with the University of Fiji to train the next generation of Fijian clinicians.
Health Care (Fiji) Pte Ltd, a public-private partnership between the FNPF and Aspen Medical, manages the two hospitals.