Today, we bid farewell to our esteemed Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah. As Northern Health’s inspiring leader for nearly a decade, Siva’s departure marks a moment of pride and reflection not only for us, but for the broader Victorian health community.

Siva’s journey at Northern Health has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since joining us in 2015, and under his visionary leadership, Northern Health has transformed from a modest community hospital, into a major healthcare service, providing excellence and cutting-edge innovation. His unwavering commitment and strategic foresight have taken Northern Health to new heights, setting a benchmark for healthcare excellence across the state.

As Siva embarks on his new role as the inaugural Chief Executive of ‘Hospitals Victoria’, we celebrate a legacy built on dedication, integrity, and truly remarkable achievements. His time at Northern Health has been defined by significant milestones – from tripling our revenue and doubling our staffing levels, to overseeing transformative redevelopment projects that have enhanced care for our diverse community in the north.

During his final week, we had the privilege of sitting down with him to reflect on his extraordinary journey, his enduring legacy, and of course, couldn’t resist asking him some of our signature “What is your coffee order?” questions.

Q: What is your coffee order?

A: What many people don’t know is that I have my coffee at 9 am every morning and I don’t order one, instead I prefer to make my own using a coffee pod.  

Q: What are some of your greatest professional achievements throughout your career here at Northern Health?

A: There are too many to mention. I have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing our capital projects. Seeing our new buildings being completed, and the site being transformed, is incredibly rewarding. This demonstrates our tremendous growth in a very tangible way and sends a very positive signal to our community that we are here and ready to care for them.

Equally, I am inspired by the attitude of staff towards solving problems. There is such a ‘can do’ attitude among our staff. They rise to the challenge because they care about our patients and their work mates. We all come to work to make things better. We do the best we can with the tools we have. I am proud of all of our collective achievements. What we have done, we have done together.

Q: Can you tell us something not many people know about you?

A: I usually arrive at work at 5.30 am and enjoy a walk through the corridors when it is quiet. I also get all the information I need early in the morning, so I know what the day is likely to be like before the rest of the team arrive.

Q: What would you like to leave as a legacy for the future leaders of Northern Health?

A: Just keep doing what you are doing. Keep looking forward and innovating.

I hope I have been a positive role model for others. This is the legacy I intend to leave. A leader is the person who has the courage to go first, but it takes everyone to commit to the direction to make it happen. I am proud to leave Northern knowing it is a good position and there are people who are more than capable to continue our great work. I will be watching from afar, and quietly applauding all of the successes the Northern will have in the future.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do and become more, you are a leader” – John Quincy Adams.

In the midst of Siva’s departure, it became evident that he made a profound impact on both his staff and team of executives. Here is what they had to say about him.

“Siva’s extraordinary leadership capabilities and his ability to positively influence a wide range of people and services to get the best outcomes for this health services has really stood out to me. Whilst being a highly strategic and skilled CEO, Siva has always put both the patient and the staff at the centre of all that he does. He has never faltered in living Northern Health values of Safe, Kind and Together,” – Debra Bourne, Chief Operating Officer.  

“Siva has certainly had an impact on me personally, for our conversations over the past 9 years have been about ‘Staff, Issues and Options’ to resolve staff issues. The intent isn’t about what we should do, because Siva would also ask ‘what is the right thing to do’ and as a HR professional it doesn’t get any better than that,” – Michelle Fenwick, Executive Director, People and Culture. 

“Siva’s leadership of Northern Health to success through innovation, excellence and compassion has helped teach and inspire me. During my time as an executive, I could not have asked for more professional and successful leadership modelling – Siva’s legacy and influence will remain with me for the rest of my career. I am incredibly grateful,” – A/Prof Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer.

“Siva leads from the front and has been so supportive. His impact has been immense. His leadership was displayed during COVID-19 where he took this as an opportunity for innovation, supporting initiatives such as the Virtual Emergency Department. He has also had a major impact on Northern Health’s capital development works. He once said, “You can tell a good chief executive based on the number of cranes.” I will miss his smile and laugh,” – A/Prof Anthony Gust, Executive Director, Digital Health.

“What strikes me about Siva is his ability to read people. He is a great judge of character and gives people the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe space. I will always be grateful for the opportunity he has given me to serve as part of this executive team. He is an exceptional boss, who will certainly be missed,”- Pina Di Donato, Executive Director, Public Affairs & Foundation.

“Siva’s influence on me was profound, challenging me to become a better executive by striving to understand the business as deeply as he did. His mastery of finance and quick mental calculations set a high bar. He inspired me to learn about building health infrastructure, innovate, and drive positive change. During my time as Health Service Chief Executive, Siva was an invaluable mentor, always available to offer advice and wise counsel, especially during COVID times. ‘Just get on with it’, is my favourite Siva saying,” – Belinda Scott, Executive Director, Mental Health.

“Siva’s leadership has transformed Northern Health from a small outer suburban hospital into a large comprehensive general hospital which our clinical staff and patients are proud of. He has created Northern Health as an environment of success and clinical excellence, which an entire generation of clinicians and patients will be grateful for, and will leave a legacy for our future,” – A/Prof Prahlad Ho, Chief Medical Officer.

“Calm and measured. A leader who built and led a team, and afforded me and others opportunities to learn and grow. A great strategic leader with strong vision of growth and achievement, but always in touch with daily operations. Someone who cares deeply about providing the best to the Northern Health community, patients and staff,” – Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer.

“Siva brought fun and interest to my day. No matter how dire the financial situation, Siva’s positive attitude, that we can sort it out, would make even Winston Churchill proud. He always has an interesting take on current events and plenty of war stories from his 30 years in healthcare that help keep things in perspective. I will miss his reassuring presence,” – Basil Ireland, Chief Financial Officer.

“I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to work alongside Siva and as a member of his executive team. Not only is Siva an exceptional leader and strategist, he is also a human being with a great sense of humour and compassion for others. It’s a great example for all of us,” – Carolyn Baker, Chief Legal Officer.

“Siva has been the perfect leader for Northern Health,” – Dr Bill Shearer, Executive Director, Quality Safety and Transformation.

While we are deeply saddened to see Siva go, we take immense pride in his well-deserved appointment. As we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude, we look forward to witnessing the continued impact of his leadership in his new role, confident that he will bring the same excellence and commitment to Victoria’s health sector that he brought to us.

In saying farewell, we also say thank you, Siva! Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to build upon the solid foundation you have laid.