CASTERTON hospital’s board has appointed a second interim chief executive, after efforts to secure a permanent appointment to the position, were unsuccessful.

Citing a “highly competitive employment market” as the major barrier to finding a permanent chief, the hospital’s board of directors this week announced it had appointed Western District Health Service chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, “as interim CEO to provide coverage through this forthcoming planning period”.

“After an extensive campaign we had secured the perfect candidate however, due to unforeseen circumstances, that person withdrew from the position in February,” the hospital’s board chairman, Greg Hart said.

“This was a disappointing outcome, but our board directors remain optimistic that we will find the right person for the role.

“We are willing to explore new and creative recruitment strategies to attract top talent to lead our organisation into the future.”

Mr Hart said it was widely acknowledged that the healthcare industry was facing a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in executive positions.

“In light of the difficult labour market, the CMH Board has made a decision to pause the recruitment process for now,” he said.

“This will provide an opportunity to implement our new strategic plan, consult with the community about rebranding the health service and provide much-needed time to implement the findings of a cultural review, before we appoint to the CEO role.

“In the interim WDHS Chief Executive Rohan Fitzgerald has generously stepped in to support CMH as acting head, leading our organisation through this important planning period.”

Mr Hart said Mr Fitzgerald would remain in the role until a permanent chief executive could be found.

“We are grateful that Rohan has agreed to assist the organisation and the community while we work to find the right candidate,” he said.

“Rohan is an experienced CEO, with a 17-year track record, delivering healthcare projects and leading organisations, including Stawell Regional Health and WDHS.

“I can assure our community that both organisations - WDHS and CMH - will remain governed by separate boards and Mr Fitzgerald will divide his time between the health services, to ensure autonomy and connection with the local community is maintained.

The hospital’s existing interim chief executive - also from Western District Health Service - James ‘Mac’ McInnes, will return to his positive with the health service, providing a handover to Mr Fitzgerald in early May.

Mr Fitzgerald said he was looking forward to getting to know the Casterton team and community.

“I’m excited to be working alongside the Board at Casterton to support staff, patients and residents until a new CEO is appointed,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“It’s a fantastic hospital and I’m keen to assist the team through this transition to ensure CMH continues to deliver high-quality care to the Casterton community.”

Casterton News has previously requested further information from the hospital regarding the planned rebranding of the service, with several community organisations already privately briefed about the matter, however no information was provided.