The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSW LHD) Chief Executive, Chris Crawford will retire from the position at the end of this year, at the completion of his current five-year contract.
Announcing his decision today (2 Sept) Mr Crawford said he had informed the NNSW LHD Board that he would not be reapplying for the position, which would “enable the process of recruiting a new Chief Executive to commence.”
A University of NSW alumnus, Mr Crawford was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) in the 2014 Australia Day Honours list for outstanding public service within the public health system, particularly for the North Coast and Northern Rivers communities of NSW.
He said he had applied for the position five years ago because he wanted “to complete unfinished business from my time as the North Coast Area Health Service [the larger forerunner of the LHD] Chief Executive.”
These projects are:
Completed:
- Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) Stages 1 and 2
- Pottsville HealthOne
- Yamba Community Health Centre
Well advanced
- Lismore Base Hospital Stage 3
- Byron Central Hospital.
“As well, there have been major upgrades made to the Murwillumbah and Casino Hospital Emergency Departments.”
Mr Crawford added, “NNSW LHD is well positioned for the future with the following funded projects in the pipeline:
- The Tweed Hospital Stage 4A
- GBH Ambulatory Care Centre
- Ballina Hospital Operating Theatre and Medical Imaging upgrade
- Bonalbo Multipurpose Service
- Coraki HealthOne Centre.”
“It has been a privilege to lead such a talented and dedicated group of clinicians and staff over the past fifteen years. I thank them for the support I have received and for their contributions to enhancing the provision of North Coast health services.
“Also I would like to acknowledge the tremendous support I have received from two Boards and from the NNSW LHD Executive.”
