The search will begin soon for a new Health Department boss for Tasmania.
The current secretary David Roberts will leave in March.
His three-year contract has ended but has been extended so he can finish work on several projects.
Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne says Mr Robert’s decision to leave was a personal one.
“I think Dave Roberts has done an incredible [job] in that role and he’s looking for other challenges into the future,” she said.
“But we are very appreciative he has agreed to stay on for the additional time he’s agreed to.”
Mercury: Health loses its head The loss of the health department’s two top executives coincides with the continued absence of former Royal Hobart Hospital chief executive Mike Pervan from his key position. The personal chief-of-staff to Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne, Matthew Jose, resigned without explanation last week.Liberal health spokesman Jeremy Rockliff said it was alarming that there was such a lack of leadership and uncertainty at the top of the health department.
Earlier on Tasmanian Times:
Stalled Royal rescue: The real story?
Margaretta Pos and the history of David Roberts
And,
ANDREW WILKIE CELEBRATES RHH 190th BIRTHDAY
The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has joined staff to wish the Royal Hobart Hospital a happy 190th birthday on the eve of its $565-million rebirth.
“For 190 years, the Royal Hobart Hospital and its dedicated and caring staff have been looking after Tasmanians when they’re sick and injured,’’ Mr Wilkie said.
“I can’t begin to imagine how many lives have begun, how many lives have been saved and how many lives have ended at this hospital over its long and rich history.’’
Mr Wilkie said he was honoured to play a role in the Royal Hobart Hospital’s next chapter, a $565-million redevelopment that will deliver a women and children’s precinct and a larger and more efficient hospital.
Mr Wilkie secured $340 million for the redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital in his negotiations with the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard.
“Finally something is being done to fix this hospital,’’ Mr Wilkie said.
“This redevelopment will mean people don’t have to wait as long to get their operation or to see a doctor in the emergency department.
“It will improve the quality of life of thousands of Tasmanians.
“There’ll be more hospital beds, more theatres and a dedicated precinct for women and children.’’
Mr Wilkie said the redevelopment was long overdue and the hospital was only delivering such a high standard of care due to the extraordinary efforts of its staff.
“For decades, a succession of State Governments of all colours have stood by and allowed the Royal Hobart Hospital to fall into disrepair,’’ Mr Wilkie said.
“I’m proud to have been able to deliver the money to get this hospital fixed.’’
Mr Wilkie said the first $50-million instalment of the federal funds he secured would be paid in days and allow construction of the women and children’s precinct to start this month.
The next $50 million is due to be paid in March.
Mr Wilkie said he had written a letter of support to accompany the State Government’s submission for $240 million from the Health and Hospitals Fund, which was lodged today.
“I am very confident the application for $240 million will be successful,’’ he said.
