St John WA boss Michelle Fyfe will step aside after a “fulfilling but taxing” four years at the helm of the state’s ambulance service amid mounting public scrutiny.
St John WA boss Michelle Fyfe will step aside after a “fulfilling but taxing” four years at the helm of the state’s ambulance service amid mounting public scrutiny and a damning parliamentary report.
Despite repeatedly insisting she would not stand down, Ms Fyfe confirmed this evening that she would leave her position within the next fortnight to make way for “new energy”.
The decision comes just five weeks after the Public Administration Committee handed down its final report on St John’s service, recommending the state government give it five years to improve its service or consider bringing it in-house.
The probe found St John had inadequate staff, was unable to respond to 90 per cent of 000 calls within 10 seconds, could not guarantee remote Aboriginal communities access to services and uncovered evidence of a poor workplace culture.
Amid discussions about the future of the organisation, its upcoming expansion and the growing pressure on ambulance services across Western Australia, St John chair Shayne Leslie said Ms Fyfe and the organisation’s board had agreed it was time for fresh leadership.
“We have agreed that now is the time for new leadership, fresh eyes and renewed energy to take the organisation forward,” he said.
“St John WA has always been an agile organisation, constantly adapting our services to meet the needs of the Western Australian community for more than 130 years,” Mr Leslie said.
“Over the past four years, Ms Fyfe has led St John through the COVID pandemic and a challenging period of growth and change in the demand for our services.
“We appreciate her hard work and commitment to St John during this period, including her leadership of key transformation and innovation initiatives.”
Ms Fyfe’s contract had been due to finish in October, but Mr Leslie said she had opted to step aside earlier.
In reflecting on her four-year tenure, Ms Fyfe said her time in the role had been fulfilling, but also taxing.
“It has been an honour to lead St John WA and I am proud of what we achieved during a period of unprecedented challenge,” she said.
“However, the organisation needs new energy to take it forward.
“I have missed many precious moments with my family and I am now looking forward to some time off to spend with my husband, children, and grandchildren before embarking on my next challenge.”
St John WA chief operating officer Antony Smithson is expected to act in the role while the board undertakes a global search for the next chief executive.
