After an extensive search to replace long-serving Chief Executive Chris Crawford, Northern NSW Local Health District has looked within its own headquarters - the coincidentally named Crawford House - to choose his successor.

The new CE is Wayne Jones, currently acting in the role, who has held various senior executive roles within the region’s health service. These have included managing Lismore Base Hospital, and being Chief of Staff in the CE’s office.

The selection of Mr Jones was announced today (5 May) by Dr Brian Pezzutti, LHD Board Chair, who noted the new CE’s broad clinical experience in Intensive Care and Cardiology Nursing, combined with an extensive background in health management, service planning and commissioning.

Dr Pezzutti paid tribute to Annette Symes who was acting CE since the start of this year. She will return to her role as the LHD’s Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery.