Rochester and Elmore District Health Service (REDHS) Board Chair, Christopher White has today announced Ms Karen Laing has resigned as Chief Executive Officer of REDHS.

Karen will be stepping down from her role, effective 3 May 2024, as she takes up the role of Executive Director Adult and Aged Services with Bellarine Community Health.

“Karen joined REDHS as CEO just over four years ago, a start date that aligned with the beginning of the COVID pandemic. This was a particularly challenging time for REDHS, the health sector and the whole community as the prevention and management of COVID became a huge part of our daily lives.”

“On behalf of the Board, I thank Karen for her leadership and stewardship of the health service through this time.”

“The board is also particularly grateful for Karen’s leadership, coordination and governance of the health service in response to the October 2022 flood event. This includes the safe evacuation of patients, residents and staff from the facility along with the ongoing response to reinstate services to our community.”

“I particularly want to thank Karen for her passion and strong advocacy during this time to ensure all services provided by REDHS are returned in the flood recovery.“

“Karen’s experience, passion, knowledge and insights will be greatly missed. The Board and the whole REDHS community wish Karen well as she moves to the next phase of her career.”

The Board has appointed Darren Clark as Interim CEO.

“Darren has been our Director of Clinical Services for a number of years, and has extensive experience in the aged care and health sector. The Board is fully supportive of Darren stepping up into the role whilst recruitment for a new CEO gets underway.”

As REDHS moves forward, our commitment to providing health services to the Rochester, Elmore and surrounding communities remains unwavering. We are confident that our strong leadership team, coupled with the remarkable talents of our employees, will continue to propel REDHS toward a bright future.

Christopher White, REDHS Board Chair