GIPPSLAND Southern Health Service’s (GSHS) new CEO Louise Sparkes sees a positive future for the organisation as she seeks to improve collaboration and innovation to increase services.
“It is very clear to me after just a few days here that we have an incredibly positive future at GSHS,” Ms Sparkes said.
“GSHS has been a strong and well-regarded health service for many years. We will continue to build on that and grow and ensure that we are working with our community to provide safe services as close to home as possible.”
Ms Sparkes started in her new role on February 6.
She replaces interim CEO Chris Trotman, who filled the position for five months after the retirement of former CEO Mark Johnson in September 2022.
She said that quality and safety are top of her priorities.
“What is evident is the pride people have in their work and health service. That is an incredible and strong base on which to continue to build.
“I have already seen many cases this week in which the care provided has been above and beyond and has either made a significant difference in someone’s life or in fact, saved a life. This care demonstrates the health service’s values in action and reiterates the importance of local hospitals and their role, particularly in rural communities.”
Ms Sparkes said that GSHS had been through a challenging period like other hospitals.
“The last three years have been challenging for everyone but health services and their staff have been impacted in ways that most people outside of health would not understand.
“Just like every other health service, GSHS needs to reset and recover and not just go back to doing things as we did before the pandemic.”
Ms Sparkes said GSHS would work with the staff and community to develop ways to innovate and do things differently.
“GSHS wants to connect more with our community, increase our service provision and be innovative and become leaders and experts in our own right and make sure our patients continue to get the level of care they need,” she said.
“We need to continue to build our workforce and our capability within and ensure that we have the wellbeing of our staff as a priority.”
One of Ms Sparkes’ goals is to connect outside the health service and partner with others while maintaining GSHS’s independence as a health service.
“Being collaborative will make us a stronger and more effective service, resulting in much better outcomes for everyone.”
Ms Sparkes has been part of the executive team at Bass Coast Health (BCH) since 2016.
In January 2021, she became Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
She undertook a secondment with Latrobe Regional Hospital as Interim Executive Director of Gippsland Health Services Partnerships from March 2022 - July 2022 before returning to BCH.
Police
Youth assaulted in Coleman Park
POLICE are investigating a robbery last night at 6.50pm in Coleman Park, Korumburra. It’s understood two male victims (a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old) were assaulted by six offenders, who proceeded to steal their money, shoes and clothing. One...
