We welcome the Victorian Minister for Health’s announcement of the inaugural board and board chair for Bayside Health.
Starting on 1 January 2026, Bayside Health will bring together Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Kooweerup Regional Health Service and Peninsula Health into one unified service.
Its aim is to improve health outcome, increase access to care and provide a more connected healthcare experience.
The new board includes directors from the five merging health services and brings a broad skill set across governance, health, comunity and finance. Importantly, it includes strong regional and First Nations representation.
The Hon Martin Foley, currently Alfred Health’s Board Chair, has been appointed as chair of the new board, bringing his extensive experience in the health sector to the role.
While responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, accountability and governance of the new health service, the first task for the designate board is to appoint Bayside Health’s Chief Executive.
The new Bayside Health Board includes:
- The Hon Martin Foley, Board Chair, Alfred Health
- Ms Karen Corry, Board Chair, Peninsula Health
- Ms Athina Georgiou, Board Chair, Gippsland Southern Health Service
- Mr Peter Joyce, Director, Peninsula Health
- Ms Kirsten Mander, Director, Peninsula Health
- Ms Linda McCrorey, Deputy Chair, Gippsland Southern Health Service
- Prof Christina Mitchell AO, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University and Director, Alfred Health
- Mr Kushal Shah, Board Chair, Kooweerup Regional Health Service
- Ms Chloe Shorten, Deputy Chair, Alfred Health
- Ms Karinda Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing
- Mr Ian Thompson, Board Chair, Bass Coast Health
Our gratitude goes to all board members from the five merging health services.
Their dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of their communities, has led to the creation of Bayside Health which will care for more than 1.2 million Victorians.
Quote from interim CEO, Prof Simone Alexander
“The board announcement is the next stage in making this voluntary merger a reality.
When formed, Bayside Health will provide services from pre-natal to end of life across the region: focussing on health equity and quality care.
Already, we are seeing patient and staff benefits from bringing metro and regional health services together: care closer to home where possible.”
Quote from Bass Coast Health Board Chair, Ian Thompson
“I would like to sincerely thank Bass Coast Board members, past and present, for their years of devoted service to our communities. Through their tireless efforts and passion to enhance health outcomes locally, they have helped build BCH into the vibrant sub regional health service it is today. Bass Coast Health’s success has been underpinned by its people - its dedicated board, highly talented executive and staff, and our enthusiastic volunteers.”