New directors appointed to Healthdirect Australia

Healthdirect Australia welcomes two new directors, Mr Peter Lewinsky AM and Ms Sabrina Walsh, from 1 July 2024.

The new Board directors were appointed for a three-year term following a merit-based recruitment process endorsed by Healthdirect’s shareholders, which comprise the Commonwealth and all State and Territory Governments.

The directors bring with them extensive experience in public health policy, digital health, governance and the use of technology to improve health outcomes.

Outgoing Board members are Professor David Ashbridge and Ms Peta Jurd, who both served on the Board and sub-committees from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2024.

Chair of the Healthdirect Australia Board, Mrs Jane Muirsmith, says, “I welcome the incoming Board members to Healthdirect, which plays a more important role than ever to connect Australians to the right health services and advice. I look forward to working together to progress our new Strategic Plan which will see Healthdirect play a transformative role in the Australian healthcare sector and unlock new value for consumers, governments and service providers.

On behalf of the Board, I would also like to acknowledge the significant contributions of the two outgoing Board members. Professor David Ashbridge, as Chair of the Clinical Advisory Committee and Ms Peter Jurd, as Chair of the Finance, Risk Management and Audit Committee, contributed greatly during demanding times over the past six years,” says Mrs Muirsmith.

With 84 million interactions with Australians in FY23, Healthdirect plays a major role in helping consumers care for themselves and their families, find a service that meets their needs, and receive telehealth services from Healthdirect when other options aren’t accessible or available. Services include the digital Symptom Checker and Service Finder, 24/7 nurse helpline, the after-hours GP helpline, and the My Aged Care contact centre.

Full details of the Healthdirect Australia Board are available here.