New Board members announced

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board has welcomed two new members.

Board Chair Tony Mooney said he was delighted to welcome Danette Hocking and Nicole Hayes to the Board.

Mr Mooney said the professional women would bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to the Board.

“Members of the Board are responsible for making sure our local health system meets the needs of our community now and into the future,” he said.

“There has been an extensive recruitment campaign for positions on the Board which began back in September last year.

“I’m excited by the skills our new Board members bring to the table to ensure that the Townsville Hospital and Health Service maintains its position as one of the best-performing in Queensland.”

Nicole Hayes is the current Chief Executive of Townsville Legacy and has been a former teacher in charge of the Townsville Hospital School.

“Nicole has important existing relationships with key partners in the charity, not-for-profit and government sector,” he said.

“She has also previously managed a mental health youth suicide prevention program between the Department of Education and Queensland Health as well as a Ronald McDonald House Charities Education Program to best support the educational needs of unwell children.”

Danette Hocking is the Director of Allied Health and NDIS with Northern Australia Primary Health Limited and qualified occupational therapist.

Mr Mooney said Danette’s experience in working with the Commonwealth Government across key health delivery areas would be invaluable on the Board.

“The integration between the services the Townsville Hospital and Health Service provides and those provided by the Commonwealth is vital for our planning going forward,” he said.

“I look forward to working closely with Danette on how we can make it easier for North Queenslanders accessing Commonwealth programs such as the NDIS and how they link in with the care we provide through the HHS.

“This is vital work to continue to improve the patient journey into the future.”

Mr Mooney said he was also pleased to announce that current members, deputy-chair Michelle Morton, Chris Castles and Donald Whaleboat would be continuing in their roles.

Mr Mooney said he also wanted to acknowledge the significant contribution of outgoing Board members Shayne Sutton and Professor Gracelyn Smallwood.

“Both Shayne and Gracelyn have made a significant contribution during their time on the Board and I’d like to wish them the very best in their future endeavours,” he said.

Eden Ritchie Recruitment began the recruitment process on 26 September 2018 with shortlisted applicants progressing to a recruitment process by an independent recruitment firm with final appointments made by the Governor in Council.

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