ALBURY Wodonga Health has started a nationwide search for a replacement chief executive officer.
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The cross-border service’s first chief Dr Stuart Spring has confirmed he will finish up after five years in the role in early May.
AWH started advertising for his replacement today and applications close February 22.
Dr Spring initially signed a four-year contract, but last year agreed to stay on for a further year to help with the opening of the $65 million regional cancer centre.
He joined the Border health service after more than 30 years in the private and public health systems.
His replacement will be responsible for a staff of 1700-plus and a budget of more than $130 million.
“I think I’ve got a well-earned retirement ahead of me,” Dr Spring said yesterday, when talking about the past five years.
“It has been a wonderful challenge.
“It has been a very exciting time for Albury-Wodonga and been a privilege to be part of it.
“I only look to the future and I think the future for Albury Wodonga Health as a major regional health service is very bright.”
Dr Spring said his position would be keenly sought after.
“I think it’s the best job going in regional Australia,” he said.
Consultant Jo Fisher Executive has been appointed to head the search.
The recruitment firm has recently secured chief executives for the Goulburn Valley and Bendigo health services and the St Vincents’ public and private hospitals in Melbourne.
The final selection will comprise representatives from Jo Fisher Executive, the AWH board and Victorian health department.
Board chairman Ulf Ericson said Dr Spring’s decision to stay on for a further 12 months had helped the service through a tough period.
“The role will require a strong people focus and a strong vision for the future,” he said.
“It is a difficult position there is no doubt about that.
“It is a large organisation and without doubt it has its challenges and complexities.
“We live in a world where money is getting scarcer and scarcer and the demand for services are greater and greater.”