Chief Executive of Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) Rowena Clift has accepted a new role as Dual Chief Executive of Western District Health Service and Casterton Memorial Hospital. She will be based in Hamilton.
Ms Clift will continue at WVPHN until the end of the year and then take up the new position on 1 February 2024.
A highly regarded leader in the health care sector, Ms Clift commenced at WVPHN in June 2016 as Director of Services and Systems Integration. During this time, she also took up a secondment position as Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ballan District Health and Care. She was appointed WVPHN CEO in 2020.
“Rowena has made a significant contribution to WVPHN as both Director of Services and Systems Integration and as the CEO,” said WVPHN Board Chair Professor Susan Brumby.
“Particular highlights were steering the organisation through COVID, which included the setting up of GP respiratory clinics, and in collaboration with other PHN CEOs saw the Head to Health clinics established in 4 weeks to support communities during and after COVID.
“During her period as CEO she has enhanced our relationships with Primary Care providers particularly GP’S and progressed our work with First Nation peoples through the Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations. With her team she reinvigorated the WVPHN Primary Care Conference and grew the number of projects responding to family and domestic violence, disability and health aging.
“Under Rowena’s leadership, WVPHN received accreditation, and she has been instrumental in the implementation of the Work from Anywhere model and growing a strong united and cooperative workplace. As CEO she has been a strong advocate for Primary Health Networks more broadly through her contribution to various external committees and a voice for rural and regional communities.
“We are delighted that Rowena is staying in the region and can continue to contribute to regional healthcare. We wish her well in her new role at Western District Health Service and Casterton Memorial Hospital,” said Professor Brumby.
Executive Director Strategy and Engagement, Andy Giddy ,will be Acting CEO effective from Monday, 18 December until the role is filled next year.