Thompson in top role for hospital

HUMAN services consultant Mandy Thompson has been appointed CEO of the Townsville Hospital Foundation.

The former Labor state member for Townsville and current CEO of family support organisation Althea Projects will start in the role in January.

Foundation deputy chair Scott Morrison said Ms Thompson was appointed after a three- month recruitment campaign through Townsville firm TP Human Capital.

He said she was selected for her experience, particularly with Althea Projects.

Concern was expressed by the LNP earlier this year over the appointment of former Labor Brisbane councillor Shayne Sutton to the Townsville Hospital and Health Service board, while an anonymous caller to the Bulletin claimed Ms Thompson’s appointment had also been political.

But Mr Morrison, a Townsville media company owner who has been involved in local Liberal campaigns, said Ms Thompson’s appointment had nothing to do with politics.

He said the foundation, led by a voluntary board, was introducing the role of CEO to help broaden its work.