Austin Health has welcomed new CEO, Adam Horsburgh, as he commences in the role.

Adam brings significant experience in healthcare both in Victoria and in the UK, most recently as Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer at Melbourne Health after also spending time with DHHS and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Speaking on his first day, 15 June, Adam said t is a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead Austin Health.

“Austin Health has a reputation for providing excellent patient care, research and teaching and I’m looking forward to working with our staff to build on this strong foundation,” Adam said.

“Over the next two months, my main priority will be getting to know the organisation, learning about our clinical and support services, and meeting as many people as possible.”

“I have a tour of Talbot, Repat and Austin sites scheduled in my first three weeks, but I also plan to regularly visit our sites to speak to people, and hear their feedback and suggestions.

“I am passionate about ensuring that Austin Health builds upon its rich history and reputation for delivering safe, effective and timely patient care. I want Austin Health to be recognised as the safest and most innovative health service; where patient experience is paramount to everything that we do.

“To help achieve this, Austin Health also needs to be a great place to work; where all staff are valued for their contribution and feel able to speak-up and ‘have their say’,” he said.

“COVID-19 has certainly provided a major challenge, and one that is far from over. However, I am aware of the fantastic work that has taken place across the whole of the organisation in response to this situation and thank all staff for their ongoing contribution and commitment.

“Like all health services, we are now navigating a new phase where there is the need to balance our business-as-usual activity whilst still ensuring that we are able to support the community through the pandemic, over what is likely to be an extended period of time.

“I have every confidence in the plans that have been put into place and I look forward to supporting staff in their efforts over the coming months.

"Engaging with staff across all levels of the organisation is an important part of my role and something that I am committed to doing on an ongoing basis," Adam said.