General News
6 April, 2025
Doyle stays at the helm
DONNA Doyle has been re-appointed chief executive officer of Boort District Health. Board members made the five-year appointment at their last meeting after approval of the recommendation by the Department of Health. The announcement comes as the...
DONNA Doyle has been re-appointed chief executive officer of Boort District Health.
Board members made the five-year appointment at their last meeting after approval of the recommendation by the Department of Health.
The announcement comes as the State Government rolls out health service reforms that will see Boort and Inglewood services part of the new Loddon Mallee health service network,
Bendigo Health CEO Eileen Hannagan and Chief Digital Services Officer Di Newel last week met with Boort and Inglewood services.
“We explored opportunities to strengthen workforce support, education, digital partnerships—all aimed at improving care delivery and ensuring better transitions of care, enhance healthcare access and outcomes for the Boort and wider community,” Donna said.
“The network will create greater opportunity for patients to access health care closer to home.
“There will be stronger pathways and relationships between all providers and this will create better outcomes all round.
“It’s nice to be in a wider, well-connected network to get care.”
Under the reforms, the State Government says the governance of each health service, including its board and CEO, unique identity and connection to their community, will remain unchanged.
Priority areas for the networks, to begin on July 1, are access and flow, workforce, clinical governance, and sustainability “Within each priority, it is expected Networks will work toward possible initiatives to improve referral pathways, attract new workforce and retain existing staff, and share support services and back-office functions to reduce unnecessary duplication,” the Government said.
“Local workforces and communities will also be consulted in 2025 to gain their views as well to address each individual community’s health needs.”
Donna was first appointed Boort CEO in March 2022, after serving as the director of clinical services at the health service for five years prior.
Over the past three years as chief executive officer, she has guided the organisation through business changes and pandemic response, while also guiding the community through significant flood recovery and life events.
The board announcement said Donna has been instrumental in driving improvements in patient care, expanding hospital services, and strengthening community health initiatives.
“Her commitment to innovation and excellence has positioned Boort District Health as a trusted healthcare provider in the region. This new contract will ensure there is stability for the health service while recognising her outstanding leadership and dedication to the hospital and the wider community.”
Donna said the past three years had been highlighted by “the resilience of the community and the health service to survive the unexpected and, personally, being part of an amazing team”.
Last December, Boort District Health received the Community Achievement Awards regional service honour.
“Boort District Health is committed to addressing key social and healthcare challenges. Boort District Health successfully implemented initiatives like the Community Kitchen Garden and Healing Garden, promoting wellness and cultural unity,” the award citation said. They played a vital role in raising awareness of family violence through the 16 Days of Activism and partnered with local organisations.”