DjHS chief executive resigns

By Jessica Howard

Andrew Freeman, the chief executive of Djerriwarrh Health Services, will step down from his role later this month to take on a new position with Western Health.

Mr Freeman was chief executive of Benalla Health when he took on the temporary role in August 2015 to assist Djerriwarrh Health Services.

The role later became permanent following a review of the hospital that revealed there were 11 cases of “potentially avoidable” newborn and stillborn deaths between a 13-year period.

Mr Freeman replaced Bruce Marshall, who was sacked by the State Government Minister Jill Hennessy, along with the entire volunteer Board.

Dr John Ballard, who was appointed Administrator of DJHS following the controversy, said Mr Freeman should be credited “with an extraordinary turnaround at the hospital and the wider Djerriwarrh services in Melton, Bacchus March and Caroline Springs”.

“Andrew’s challenge at Djerriwarrh was significant and multi-faceted. He has driven the required changes and reinvigorated the culture of the Service, positioning it to better handle ongoing population growth and diversity to the west of Melbourne,” he said.

“Andrew has displayed great skill, courage, commitment and compassion in transforming Djerriwarrh. He will take up his new position in February 2018 and I – along with my colleagues at Djerriwarrh – wish him every success in his new role.

“We will now commence the process to recruit Andrew’s successor to lead the Health Service through its next phase of growth.”

Djerriwarrh Director of Nursing, Amanda Edwards, will be interim chief executive.