John Wakefield named as new Queensland Health D-G

Clinical Excellence Queensland deputy director-general John Wakefield has been appointed as the new director-general of Queensland Health, taking over from Michael Walsh, who has retired.

Dr Wakefield is a medical doctor and experienced health administrator and established the Queensland Health Patient Safety Centre in 2004.

He chaired the national open disclosure pilot project and has research interests in patient safety culture, safety performance measurement and open disclosure.

Dr Wakefield said patient safety was a core value. “I want Queenslanders to have full confidence as our system continues to learn and grow our quest for patient safety and improved outcomes,” he said in a statement.

“My appointment as Director-General of Queensland Health marks an exciting challenge leading a state-of-the-art system with world-class staff is truly and honour and an opportunity I don’t take lightly.”

Mr Walsh retired as earlier this month, having served four years in the role.

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