21 December 2005

Appointment of new CEO for Children's Hospital at Westmead

The NSW Director General of Health Robyn Kruk today announced the appointment of Dr Antonio Penna as Chief Executive Officer for the Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Dr Penna is currently Director of Clinical Operations and Clinical Governance at the Children's Hospital Westmead and will take up the position in the New Year.

Ms Kruk said Dr Penna would bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to position.

"Dr Penna is widely recognised for his compassion, innovation and ability to inspire those around him to achieve.

"He has led the development of several highly successful projects that have seen major improvements to the delivery of care for patients, the recruitment and training of staff and hospital disaster response plans," she said.

Dr Penna has had a distinguished career spanning roles in the South Australia, Victorian and New South Wales health systems. His recent roles have included Director of Medical Services for Royal North Shore Hospital and time acting as Director of Medical and Clinical Services at Westmead Hospital.

Dr Penna will take over from Professor Kim Oates AM who announced his retirement from the CEO position after eight very successful years in the job.

"Professor Oates has been a major contributor to the success of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, particularly during the first years of the hospital's move from the old Camperdown site.

"His dedication to improving the health of children, combined with his open, hands-on approach will be greatly missed by staff and patients alike.

"I believe Dr Penna will carry on with the fine work that Professor Oates undertook during his time at the Children's Hospital Westmead," Ms Kruk said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au