General News
30 July, 2024
MDHS board welcomes new members
From changes at the leadership level to the inclusion of new members, the Maryborough District Health Service’s (MDHS) governance body has undergone a significant reorganisation.
The hospital’s board of directors has bid farewell to its former Chair Kelly Mason, who has served in the position since 2021.
Ms Mason’s retirement follows nine years — including time as a member and vice chair — of commitment to the board and the wider community.
According to MDHS CEO Nickola Allan, Ms Mason has been instrumental in guiding the organisation through numerous milestones and solidifying its reputation as a leader in rural healthcare services.
“It has been a true honour to work alongside Kelly who has given us around a decade of dedicated service on the board,” Ms Allan said.
Expertise in strategic thinking, people management, stakeholder engagement and community knowledge were only some of the skills Ms Mason brought to the table, Ms Allan added.
“Kelly has worked diligently to improve health, social and financial outcomes for the community in our region, as well as our team of staff,” she said.
Among her achievements, Ms Mason played a vital role in the development of the MDHS master plan to set the health service up for a sustainable future.
She has continuously advocated for funds and overseen the sub-committee for major projects such as the $115 million Maryborough Hospital redevelopment, $4 million student accommodation project, the $4.3 million logistics hub expansion project, and dining room improvements in residential aged care communities.
“We are immensely grateful for Kelly’s contributions and wish her all the best in her next endeavour,” Ms Allan said.
With Ms Mason retiring, Dr Judy Lowthian has stepped in as board chair, leading on from her prior experience as vice chair.
Amidst the farwell, MDHS has also welcomed Sara Pantaleo and Kahlia Borserio as new board members.
Ms Pantaleo’s background includes working as a business leader, who according to MDHS, is known for transforming La Porchetta into Australia’s largest franchised a-la-carte restaurant group.
She also co-founded the Moira Kelly Creating Hope Foundation and Affari SP.
Her peer and fellow member, Ms Borserio is a registered podiatrist and clinical risk coordinator at Dhelkaya Health with over a decade of experience — with a Masters in Public Health, her expertise lies in patient-centered care and clinical governance.
“We are very excited about the fresh perspectives and expertise that Sara and Kahlia bring,” said Ms Allan.
“Their diverse skills and insights will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our services at a time of significant transformation at Maryborough District Health Service.”
As part of the restructuring, board member Ron Eason is now the vice chair, and Rob Camm will continue as treasurer.