Russell-Weisz to head Health Dept

Fiona Stanley Hospital chief executive David Russell-Weisz has been appointed director general of the Western Australian Department of Health.

Dr Russell-Weisz will begin his new role in August after completing commissioning work at Fiona Stanley, with current acting director general Bryant Stokes to resume in the role until then.

Premier Colin Barnett said Dr Russell-Weisz had demonstrated excellent leadership skills in overseeing the opening of Fiona Stanley.

“The process of permanently filling this critically important position has taken some time, but we are fortunate to have been able to select Dr Russell-Weisz from a strong field,” Mr Barnett said.

Health Minister Kim Hames said Dr Russell-Weisz would preside over a largely reconstructed health system.

“As well as Fiona Stanley, we have new hospitals in Albany, Bussleton and Kalgoorlie-Boulder and will soon open hospitals at Midland and Karratha as well as the Perth Children’s Hospital,” he said.

Dr Hames also said there would be changes to the governance structures of the health system.

Dr Russell-Weisz’s salary is expected to be about $600,000 per annum.