An interim chief executive has been appointed to run Tasmania’s newly formed single governing body for the health service, while the search continues for a permanent leader.
Anne Brand has been hired to act in the role from July 1 when the Tasmanian Health Service takes over from the three regional health bureaucracies.
Dr Brand is the current acting chief executive of the North West Health body, which will cease to exist at the end of June.
Health Minister Michael Ferguson told Parliament Dr Brand would remain in the role until the selection process for a permanent chief executive was completed and the successful candidate was ready to start.
Health unions have raised concerns that the organisational structure of the new statewide bureaucracy is yet to be finalised.
The Government announced its intention to create the Tasmanian Health Service last August but advertisements for the new chief executive were not published until April this year.
The Government expects the merger to save $20 million a year.