By Tania Martin
THE new chief of the Ranges Community Health Service says improving health services in the Shire of Yarra Ranges is at the top of her list of priorities.
Karyn McPeake has just been appointed as the chief executive officer and brings more than 25 years’ experience in both the Australia and New Zealand health sectors.
For the past 12 months she has been the general manager at Box Hill Hospital but says she is now ready for some new challenges.
Health service chairman Alan Fincher said the appointment of Ms Peake was major coup for the organisation.
“We are excited to have secured the services of Karyn who has a wealth of experience gained over many years of working in the health sector,” he said.
“Her experience ranges from hands on nursing in the early ‘80s through to managing one of Melbourne’s busiest hospitals.”
Mr Fincher said the future of the health service was in great hands.
“She (Karyn) is passionate about community health and her extensive experience can only be great for our future,” he said.
Ms Peake said she was looking forward to working with staff from both centres in Belgrave and Lilydale.
“I am delighted to be able to take on this role for such an outstanding organisation as Ranges Community Health and to be able to work with a wonderful group of committed professional,” she said.
Ms Peake said she was excited about bringing great health services to all people in the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
“I see this as a very exciting time for Ranges Community Health, particularly with construction of the Lilydale super clinic leading to the establishment of a major health precinct for the Yarra Ranges,” she said.
“I am also looking forward to being able to play a role in further growing our health services.”