UPDATE: Queensland Health is once again on the hunt for a new chief health officer following the abrupt withdrawal of Dr. Krispin Hajkowicz, who was poised to replace Dr. John Gerrard. Just announced, recruitment efforts have resumed, leaving many questions unanswered about the sudden change.
The Queensland Health Minister, Tim Nicholls, and his department are tight-lipped about the reasons behind Hajkowicz’s cancellation. Hajkowicz, a senior infectious diseases specialist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, was set to take over the role after a thorough search conducted by HardyGroup, which began in May 2023. Applications for the position closed approximately one month later, but the latest recruitment news has surfaced just days ago, with job ads reappearing online.
What led to the abrupt decision to scrap Hajkowicz’s appointment remains a mystery. Originally appointed under the previous Labor government to succeed former chief officer Jeannette Young, he opted out days before his start date in late 2021 due to personal reasons.
Officials are now confirming that the search for a qualified chief health officer is actively ongoing. A spokesperson for Nicholls stated, “The appointment of a qualified chief health officer is currently under way through a recruitment process conducted by Queensland Health.” They did not clarify whether a new candidate has been selected.
Queensland Health has expressed its commitment to finding a suitable replacement. “Queensland Health encourages suitably qualified medical professionals to apply for this unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of healthcare in Queensland,” a department spokesperson explained.
Since Dr. John Gerrard stepped down in December 2022, the role has been temporarily filled by Dr. Heidi Carroll and currently Dr. Catherine McDougall, both of whom have been praised for their leadership during this transitional period.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the chief health officer position is raising concerns about the future of public health in Queensland. As the state grapples with various health challenges, the need for stable leadership becomes increasingly critical.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. Share your thoughts and concerns about this ongoing situation on social media. What do you think this means for Queensland’s healthcare future?
