New Board Director appointed to health service

East Grampians Health Service has welcomed a new Board Director.

The Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas has appointed Emma Leehane to the Board of Directors.

Board Chair Ken Weldin said he was delighted to welcome Ms Leehane to the Board.

“Emma has already provided great insight into our discussions, reflecting her rich and valuable experience, both professional and personal,” Mr Weldin said.

Ms Leehane is no stranger to the health service, having previously worked for the organisation as an Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer.

She comes to the Board with a wealth of experience, with a background in teaching, and currently works at Central Highlands Water.

Ms Leehane has a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching and Diploma of Community and Social Services and career highlights have included working as Team Leader of Aboriginal Health, and teaching in schools and museum settings.

She lives in Ballarat and when not busy with work, enjoys yoga, baking and beekeeping.

Ms Leehane said she was inspired to apply for a Board position through her previous experience working at EGHS.

“Due to my previous involvement as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer at EGHS, working with the staff and community to provide a quality service, I was inspired to apply for a Board position to learn and develop the service at a strategic level with a cultural lens,” Ms Leehane said.

“I am excited to be working with the Board and the EGHS community to continually strive to improve the quality of the health service and foster innovation and improvements in service delivery.”

EGHS has impressed Ms Leehane for always being welcoming and caring towards all who walk through the door, whether a patient, family, staff or visitor.

“EGHS is an integral part of the community,” she said.

“It provides a wholistic service and is committed to providing quality healthcare to all.”

Board positions are advertised annually and Ms Leehane encouraged interested persons to apply.

If you have a passion to ensure an accountable and efficient provision of health care and the long-term viability of your local health service, becoming a Board Director is a way that you can assist in making a difference,” she said.

Pictured is new EGHS Board Director Emma Leehane.