New Barwon Health CEO appointed

WELL-known healthcare leader Frances Diver has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of Barwon Health.

Ms Diver has held senior leadership roles for more than 15 years.

Initially trained as a nurse and midwife, she has worked in a clinical setting in several metropolitan and regional hospitals across New Zealand and Australia.

Her clinical background then led to roles in health promotion and education for BreastScreen, before moving to Monash Medical Centre where she worked on capital project development and then as its site manager.

Following this role, Ms Diver took on the position of Manager Patient Access with Bayside Health (The Alfred).

Ms Diver then joined the Department of Health and Human Services as Manager of the Statewide Emergency Program, eventually rising to the position of deputy secretary (hospital and health service performance), charged with the responsibility for the overall performance of the Victorian public health services, including service, quality and financial outcomes.

Most recently, she was the chief executive officer of the Country Fire Authority.

Ms Diver – who will start in the role on April 30 – said she was looking forward to working with Barwon Health staff and clinicians and partner organisations to make a real difference in the Geelong community and the broader region.

“I have worked with many of the leaders within Barwon Health through my time at the Department of Health and Human Services and feel my more recent experience with the CFA, coupled with my commitment and energy, will help guide Barwon Health through the next phase of its development.

“On a personal level, Geelong is a vibrant city that is evolving and changing; Geelong is renowned for its strong sense of community and I am looking forward to taking advantage of all that it offers.”

Brian Cook, chair of the Barwon Health board, said appointing a person of such high calibre with such a solid background in leadership was a real coup for the health care provider.

“Frances’ experience, both in clinical settings and through her work with the Department of Health and Human Services, will support Barwon Health’s focus on patient-centred care and our role in working with our partners throughout south-west Victoria.”