Summary
Central Queensland Health is pleased to announce the appointment of two new executive leaders, strengthening its commitment to delivering high-quality care through expert clinical leadership.
Chief Executive Lisa Blackler said it was exciting to have an Executive Director of Medical Services and Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery with a wealth of experience to guide the health service. They join the Executive Director of Allied Health Kerrie-Anne Frakes to round out professional leads for all clinicians.
“Most recently we welcomed Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery, Andy Carter who joins us from Brisbane this week, bringing 39 years of nursing experience in the United Kingdom and Queensland,” she said.
“Andy has led teams across many healthcare settings and is passionate about empowering nurses and midwives to deliver great care.
“Our nursing and midwifery workforce is by far the largest in the health service and we welcome Andy’s experience to provide our teams on the floor with the tools they need to continue to care for Central Queenslanders.”
Additionally, Professor Gulam Khandaker has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Medical Services.
Professor Khandaker, who has strong ties to the region, previously served as the Director of the Central Queensland Public Health Unit.
His medical career began as an intern at Rockhampton Hospital in 2007, and he has since trained as a paediatrician and public health physician in Sydney before returning to Central Queensland in 2017.
“Gulam now leads our medical teams in delivering the highest standards of care,” Ms Blackler said.
“His journey from intern to the highest-ranking medical position in the region is a testament to his dedication and commitment to building a strong, well-supported, and highly trained medical team.”
Professor Khandaker is also focused on fostering research to ensure evidence-based medical services are provided throughout the region.
Kerrie-Anne Frakes has held an executive leadership role in Central Queensland Health for more than a decade, currently overseeing the Allied Health professional stream. She was the first public podiatrist in Central Queensland in 1999.
She is passionate about regional and rural capacity with a focus on workforce sustainability and care for patients closer to home.
Ms Blackler looks forward to working closely with these executive leaders to continue delivering great care to Central Queenslanders.