New CEO appointed to lead Nelson PHO
Sara Shaughnessy has been appointed as the new chief executive at Nelson Bays Primary Health.
Shaughnessy is currently the director of mental health and integrated care at the Mid North Coast District Health Board in New South Wales.
She has extensive experience in the health sector both in New Zealand and Australia. Shaughnessy began her career as a registered nurse and among other qualifications, has completed a Master of Health Sciences from Otago University.
She will take up the role leading the region’s primary health organisation in early June.
‘‘I look forward to joining and living in the Nelson community and working with our health partners including general practice, Nelson Marlborough District Health Board and the many community providers of services which focus on health and wellbeing for our communities in the region.’’
The primary health organisation supports general practices in Nelson, provides health services and oversees the running of the Golden Bay Community Health centre and the Medical and Injury Centre.
NBPH board chair John Hunter said it was fortunate to have attracted someone of Shaughnessy’s calibre.
‘‘Her experience and leadership in both primary and integrated secondary care in New Zealand and Australia settings will serve us well in Nelson Bays changing future healthcare needs.’’
Shaughnessy replaces Angela Francis, who stepped down after five years leading the primary health organisation in April.