Media Release

The Melbourne Health Board – A message from Professor David Karpin AM

28 May 2007

At this time of year, the Victorian Government reviews the Board appointments of public health services, as the terms of various Board members reach completion. During this review, discussions take place between the Chairman of the Board, the Minister for Health and the Secretary of the Department of Human Services.

In March this year, as a part of these discussions, I advised the Secretary and the Minister that, although my term of office runs to 30 June, 2008, it was my intention to resign as Chairman of Melbourne Health with effect from 30 June, 2007.

Two other members of the Board, Bill Deveney and Greg Johnson, will complete their terms on 30 June 2007. Bill has served on the Board for seven years and Greg five years. Both have chosen not to seek reappointment.

Separate to the normal processes another Board member, Helen Kurincic, has advised the Minister and I of her resignation with effect on 3 June 2007 as a result of her appointment to a senior position with a private sector organization that operates in the Health sector.

Melbourne Health is a major provider of complex and specialized Clinical Services to Victorians and other Australians. Melbourne Health is also an important contributor to Victoria’s prominent position in Australia’s Research and Education activities in the fields of Health and Biotechnology.

Melbourne Health, since its inception in 2000, has had a number of major achievements including:

• Moving to national leadership in quality and safety, open disclosure of incidents, and involving consumers actively in safety and quality committees and processes
• Establishing Victoria’s second major adult Trauma Centre incorporating a Helipad, trauma surgery and related services
• Supporting the collocation of The Royal Womens’ Hospital and The Royal Melbourne Hospital
• Providing strong advocacy for the continuing development of the Parkville Precinct as a leading centre for Biotechnology and Clinical Research including a world-class Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

I am in my third term, and seventh year, as Chairman of Melbourne Health. It has been a pleasure to have interacted over my time at Melbourne Health with the many talented and dedicated people who make Melbourne Health the fine institution it is today.  Although the role of Chairman is demanding and, while there have been many challenges, it has been a privilege to have served one of Victoria’s foremost public institutions.

Professor David S Karpin AM
Chairman
Melbourne Health Board.

Media enquiries: Jan Sharrock, Manager Public Relations, 9342 7796.