New CEO opts for change
A sea change is just what the doctor ordered for St John of God Hospital’s new CEO Chris Flynn.
Hailing from Brisbane, Mr Flynn put retirement on the backburner to come to Geraldton.
Two weeks into the job he says he is looking forward to becoming involved in the community.
“I’m looking forward to exploring the region,” he said.
Mr Flynn, who has four adult children, made the move to Geraldton with his wife for a sea change and a taste of country life.
With more than 30 years’ experience in the health sector, Mr Flynn has a wealth of experience behind him.
Having started his career in a regional hospital, Mr Flynn said his career had done a full circle.
“It’s great to be back in a regional area,” he said.
Mr Flynn said the key to a successful health system in Geraldton was building a strong relationship between the two hospitals.
“Both hospitals need to work together to achieve good outcomes for public and private patients,” he said.
He said one of the biggest challenges the town faced was to attract residential specialists.
“Any regional centre needs that sort of support for patients, especially with the ageing population we have.”
“At the moment at St John of God we have an under-utilised service and the capacity to accommodate public patients.”
He said while the priority for St John of God would always be private patients he hoped a suitable arrangement between the hospitals would benefit both public and private patients.
“We will be working with the Regional Hospital, doctors and the broader community to create a quality health system for Geraldton,” he said.
SAMANTHA ROBIN
