BASS Coast Health has established an outstanding, inclusive environment for community input and culture, an achievement many other health services would envy. Over the past eight years, a strong foundation of mutual respect and trust has been carefully built through open and honest communication. Is the board fully aware of the significant impact of the departure of Jan Child as CEO? One wonders why two board members have resigned in recent times.
While the appointment of Simone Alexander as interim CEO is welcomed given her experience at the Alfred Hospital and the partnership developed with this metropolitan facility in recent years, the community must be reassured that her focus will remain firmly on local service delivery. It is crucial that she remains accessible to address local needs, to engage with the community, and to provide unwavering support to the dedicated staff managing the daily operations of Bass Coast Health.
Our previous CEO set a remarkably high standard of availability, transparency and commitment, often exceeding the demands of a full-time position. Her departure has left many community members concerned about the continuity of leadership and the potential loss of momentum in service delivery and community engagement.
The current board faces a significant challenge to build trust and confidence in its decision-making processes. The community, with its long memory and deep investment in Bass Coast Health is vocal in its dissatisfaction. Clear, transparent communication and proactive damage control measures are urgently needed to reassure the community and to demonstrate that their concerns are being taken seriously.
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