The new chief executive of Ballan District Health and Care says he hopes to enhance the facility’s reputation as a modern and integrated health service.
Wayne Weaire has been in the role for less than three weeks, but brings with him more than 25 years of experience in health, community services and hospital management.
“The great thing about Ballan is that it’s known throughout Australia for the integrated medical service it provides, between doctors and aged-care staff or nurses,” Mr Weaire said.
“My plans are to keep building on it, and keep growing the services it already has.”
Mr Weaire said the facility was seeing an average of 3700 patients a month, up 500 people per month from last year.
“It’s an area that’s growing enormously, and we now have an opportunity to respond to this growth,” Mr Weaire said.
“We’ll move into providing oncology services, a new nursing home and a day procedure unit.”
Mr Weaire has taken over from previous chief executive Glenn Rowbotham, who was in the position from 2008.
Mr Weaire has a background as a registered clinical family therapist in both public and private practice, and has held various senior health posts across regional Victoria.
“I have worked in rural communities for most of my life and I’m very committed to providing access to really good health services for rural people,” he said.
“The next step will be the opening of the primary care centre in July, housing a pool, gymnasium and other rehabilitation facilities.”
