Cameron calls time as chair

BOB Cameron has officially stepped down as the board chair of Bendigo Health.

Mr Cameron has held the position for seven years, overseeing construction of the new hospital and assisting in the service’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

He is succeeded by Dr Ewa Piejko, a general practitioner who has been based in Bendigo for about 16 years.

“Bendigo Health has utterly transitioned, we’re now in a new hospital, we’re refurbishing the old hospital and the future looks really good,” Mr Cameron said.

“I’ll continue on the board and chair of the building committee, we have some projects, in particular the new day rehabilitation centre, underway.”

“There’s always challenges in the health system, but of course coronavirus was a very large challenge.

Mr Cameron said a key highlight for him was seeing the Central Victorian region hit 99 per cent vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Bendigo Health is going extremely well, we’ve seen large expansions in services and staff and when organisations are going well it’s good governance to change the baton, especially when there’s somebody as capable as Ewa available,” he said.

Dr Piejko has been on the hospital board for four years and said she is excited to step into the role.

Her key challenges are expected to involve the State Government’s response to the Royal Commissions into aged care and mental health services.

With experience as a regional educator for general practitioners, Dr Piejko said she brings knowledge of rural communities and their health systems to the role.

“I’ve been out there to the local services and practices, I understand the environment they’re working in and what our role is as a service, to help collaborate and work with them to improve their services,” she said.