After 23 years working for NSW Health in the Northern Rivers, eight of them as Chief Executive for the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), Wayne Jones has announced he is leaving the role in late February.

“I have made the very difficult decision to step down as the Chief Executive of the District, making way for new leadership and allowing me to focus my time and energy on another critical role within the NSW Health system,” Mr Jones said.

“I have been immensely proud to be the Chief Executive, and work with incredible staff and clinicians to deliver high quality healthcare to the many thousands of people who have needed it across the District.

“The way our staff and clinicians have responded to the needs of our community during the pandemic and the 2022 floods will remain with me forever. No matter their personal circumstances, their commitment to deliver compassionate care is exceptional.”

Lynne Weir will act in the role of Chief Executive until recruitment is finalised.

NNSWLHD Board Chair, Peter Carter, paid tribute to Mr Jones’s guidance and experience in leading the health service over many years.

“Wayne has seen good times and difficult times in his years as CE of this District. Throughout these times, one constant has been his uncompromising commitment to delivering health services to the community that are safe and of the highest quality and we sincerely thank him for that,” Mr Carter said.

Secretary of NSW Health, Susan Pearce AM, has announced Mr Jones’ appointment to act as the State Health Services Functional Area Controller (HSFAC) for the next 18 months.

Reporting directly to the Secretary, the HSFAC will work to strengthen and elevate the health system’s emergency planning and response capacity.

“Wayne is an exceptional leader who has navigated Northern NSW Local Health District through some very challenging times, and I have no doubt he will make a very positive difference in his new role too,” Ms Pearce said.

“Wayne will represent all health services on the State Emergency Management Committee and will be the key liaison between NSW Health and our partner agencies in delivering whole of government emergency responses.”