Bairnsdale Regional Health Service has welcomed Jamie Williamson and Dr Anand Ponniraivan to its Board, bringing extensive experience across governance, community engagement, clinical leadership and health service improvement.
The new appointments follow the retirement of long-serving Board members Chad Burrell and Dr Simon Fraser, who concluded their terms on 30 June after nine years of service. “Both Chad and Simon will be greatly missed and, on behalf of the Board, I sincerely thank them for their outstanding service to BRHS and the East Gippsland community.”
BRHS Board Chair, Professor Sandra Leggat, said the new appointments would bring valuable new perspectives to the Board.
“We are delighted to welcome Jamie and Anand to the BRHS Board,” Professor Leggat said.
“They bring different but highly complementary experience, from community engagement and governance through to clinical leadership, quality and patient safety.
“Importantly, they both share a strong commitment to good governance and ensuring the decisions we make ultimately support the best possible care and outcomes for the communities we serve.”
Jamie Williamson has strong ties to East Gippsland and a longstanding commitment to supporting regional communities, with experience spanning governance, strategy, community engagement and organisational development.
He currently serves as a Director of East Gippsland Water and the Australian Dental Council and is a member of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s Community Advisory Council.
Dr Anand Ponniraivan is a Specialist Medical Administrator and senior healthcare executive who currently serves as Director Medical Services, Quality & Safety at Monash Health.
Throughout his career, Dr Ponniraivan has focused on improving patient safety, clinical governance, quality systems and organisational performance, with a particular interest in creating health systems where clinicians are supported to do their best work and patients receive the safest possible care.
He is also Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators Victorian Jurisdictional Committee, contributing to the development of medical leadership, governance and workforce capability across the health sector.
Dr Ponniraivan brings a strong focus on clinical excellence, continuous improvement and creating healthcare environments where people feel safe to speak up, learn and work together to improve care.
The BRHS Board of Directors provides strategic direction and governance oversight for the health service, supporting its commitment to delivering the Best Care Experience for every person, every time.