Today, the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, and Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, visited Northern Hospital Epping to make a special announcement regarding health service budgets. The Premier has announced a further $1.5 billion for the health sector, which we welcome.

It was further announced that a new agency within the Department of Health will be created with the purpose of overseeing the financial performance and sustainability of Victorian health services. This agency will be known as ‘Hospitals Victoria’.

In creating this new agency, it was announced that our Chief Executive, Siva Sivarajah, is being appointed as its inaugural Chief Executive. Siva has accepted this new role and as a result will be stepping down as Chief Executive of Northern Health.

As the Chief Executive, Siva has provided exceptional leadership and clear strategic direction to build our health service into the high performing organisation it is today. Northern Health has thrived under his leadership and he leaves us with an impressive legacy and a strong culture.

Siva’s record speaks for itself and we are very proud that our own Chief Executive has been chosen to lead in this important new role for Victoria. This is a testament to the quality of leadership we have been privileged to work with.

Since 2015, Siva has been instrumental in our health service growing from a small community hospital to one of the most innovative and sustainable health services in the state. Under his leadership, total revenue grew from around $400 million to $1.2 billion. Staffing levels increased from 4,000 to 9,000. Capital redevelopment projects, both complete and in progress, continue to provide outstanding care to our growing and diverse community.

While we are sad to see Siva go, I know you will join me in congratulating him on his new role and thanking him for his outstanding contribution to Northern Health, and to the Victorian health system in general.

Siva will commence in his new role as of Monday, 19 August and Debra Bourne, Northern Health Chief Operating Officer, will act as Northern Health Chief Executive until further notice. We will update you as more information becomes available.

JENNIFER WILLIAMS AM

BOARD CHAIR