Robert Morton
SOUTH Australia’s health system has lost two key chief executives in a week with the shock resignation of top health bureaucrat Dr David Panter today following Wednesday’s resignation of SA Ambulance Service chief executive Robert Morton.
CALHN also oversees Statewide Services, Breastscreen SA, Prison Health Services, SA Dental Services, SA Pathology, SA Imaging, SA Pharmacy, SA Biomedical Engineering and Sterilisation.
As project director of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital Dr Panter has been the pivotal driving force — and sometimes controversial figure — behind the massive project.
He has shouldered ongoing criticism from medical groups about its size, design and what services it would offer.
Last year he toured Scandinavia and London as part of a delegation investigating how four European hospitals handled a move to a new site, as the RAH will do in 2016.
He resigned to take up a job as chief executive of private residential aged care network ECH.
Dr Panter told staff of his decision this morning.
SA Health chief executive David Swan said: “For more than 10 years, David has served in executive leadership roles with SA Health, including as Executive Director of Statewide Service Strategy and of Health Reform.
“His work during this time, and particularly his innovation and significant commitment to planning the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, has helped to shape the culture of how we deliver our health services.
“I thank David for his many years of service and wish him all the best for his future endeavours with ECH.
“David’s last day is still to be confirmed. Following David’s departure, Gloria Wallace will act as Chief Executive Officer for CALHN until a permanent replacement is found.”
Dr Panter’s exit leaves a considerable hole in SA Health’s planning for both the reforms — expected to be released next month — and the 2016 shift from the existing Royal Adelaide Hospital to the new RAH.
It also comes as SA Health grapples with the which has been put on hold due to continued problems — the new RAH has been designed to operate with the EPAS system.
SA Health now will have to fill this crucial position at a time the health system is undergoing fundamental reform against a background of funding cuts.
It also will have to find a replacement for who quit suddenly on Wednesday citing personal reasons 18 months after being headhunted from Ireland.
And it comes as senior is on long service leave amid an investigation into an allegation she slapped a nurse in front of a patient proceeds.
Prof Davy is Clinical Director of Surgery and Specialty Services and told The Advertiser she strongly denies any wrongdoing.
Dr Panter was educated in England and holds a PHD in Developmental Psychology.
He held senior positions in several National Health Service bodies over 15 years including the UK’s first Primary Care Trust.
Before arriving in Australia in 2004 he was chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council.
In October 2004 he was appointed as the inaugural chief executive of the Central Northern Adelaide Health Service.