THE Casterton Memorial Hospital (CMH) and Western District Health Service (WDHS) Boards have agreed to appoint a permanent dual chief executive to further strengthen collaboration and build closer ties.

In April, the respective Boards appointed WDHS chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, to lead both organisations on an interim basis for six months.

Due to the success of the interim dual appointment, both Boards have now decided to make this role a permanent arrangement.

WDHS Board chair, Anna Sweeney, said the timing aligns well for both organisations, as WDHS will be seeking a new chief executive at the end of 2023.

“WDHS chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, has expressed his intention to step down from his position at WDHS and CMH by the end of this year,” she said.

“Instead of recruiting to two separate roles, it makes sense to find a candidate who can effectively serve both organisations.”

Mr Fitzgerald has led WDHS since 2014 and said choosing to step away from the helm after almost a decade of service, has been a contemplative journey, but he was convinced that now is the right time for him, and for the organisation.

“It’s never easy to leave a job you love, and yet, as a leader, I understand the importance of renewal – not just for the health service, but for me personally as well,” he said.

“Leading WDHS has been a dream role for me; it has been filled with significant challenges and at the same time has been incredibly rewarding.

“As I look back, I see a health service that has transformed, evolved, and grown stronger with each passing year. We have pushed boundaries, changed the way food is perceived, and expanded our services, enabling people across the region to access care close to home.

“None of this would have been possible without the dedicated, committed and selfless team at WDHS, whose goal of ‘creating Australia’s healthiest rural community’ has kept us on track and for that, I am extremely grateful.

“Exiting the role now allows me to chart my next course with intention and control.

“It feels right to leave while WDHS is in great shape and I’m confident of its continued success.

“The dual CEO is a great role, and the two organisations are delivering exceptional services to their respective communities.”

Casterton Hospital Board chair, Hugh Macdonald, reiterated that CMH and WDHS will continue to be governed separately.