New chief executive officer Peter Abraham has started work at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS).
Peter, who has served as the CEO at Swan Hill District Health since 2019 and in several other health CEO roles in regional Victoria, replaces acting chief executive officer Kathy Kinrade, who leaves BRHS after five-and-a-half years.
She was BRHS’ executive quality and education before stepping into the acting CEO role with the departure of former CEO Robyn Hayles in October 2024.
It’s a return to familiar country for Peter, who has worked as a nurse and quality manager at BRHS.
Peter re-joins BRHS at a crucial time, with the new Gippsland Local Health Network starting this week. The network will see hospitals across the region building stronger partnerships aimed at improving the healthcare experience for our community.
Peter said he wants to ensure that BRHS grows to meet future health demands.
“I am very happy to be back in East Gippsland
and I’m really excited about the future. I’m excited to work with our team at BRHS, with our Gippsland health service partners and the local community to grow and develop quality and accessible health care,” Peter said.
Kathy, who spent her final two weeks pairing with Peter ahead of her departure, said BRHS is in safe hands but that she will miss the BRHS team.
“I have really enjoyed being part of BRHS for the past five years. The staff here are exceptional in all that they do, their passion for the East Gippsland community and the way they ensure that health care is at the forefront in everything they do,” she said.
“I wish the organisation all the best in the future and believe that the direction under Peter’s leadership will be positive.”
BRHS board chair Professor Leggat said Peter has extensive experience working within a network as the former chair of the Loddon Mallee Health Network, its quality and safety committee and as executive lead of the Loddon Mallee Regional First Nations Reference Group.
“We know from our patient feedback that the staff at BRHS provide excellent patient-centred care, but we also know the health needs of people living in East Gippsland are continuing to change,” she said.
“Peter’s understanding of care, his experience as CEO of different health services and his willingness to work in partnership are exactly what BRHS needs to grow stronger together.”
