Andrew Freeman will be heading for new challenges when he leaves the top job at Djerriwarrh Health Services in a few weeks for a role with Western Health.
The chief executive will step down from his current role later this month. He started in the role in August, 2015, on a temporary basis before being permanently appointed in October that year.
An administrator, Dr John Ballard, was appointed to Djerriwarrh Health Services in October, 2015, following a review that revealed a catastrophic failure of clinical governance at Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital.
Dr Ballard credited Mr Freeman with a turnaround at the hospital and the wider Djerriwarrh services in Melton, Bacchus Marsh and Caroline Springs.
“Andrew’s challenge at Djerriwarrh was significant and multi-faceted,” Dr Ballard said.
“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. Andrew has displayed great skill, courage, commitment and compassion.”
Djerriwarrh nursing director Amanda Edwards will be interim chief executive as the recruitment process begins next month.
The Victorian government last year committed more than $10 million in capital investment to Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital for the provision of a $9 million theatre redevelopment and the $1.6 million completion of stage two of the maternity department refurbishment.
The development of new facilities was aimed at ensuring the health service is better equipped to meet the care needs of the community,
Dr Ballard said.
