Albury Wodonga Health executive exodus continues as board chair departs

The chair of Albury Wodonga Health (AWH), Jonathan Green, has announced he will not seek reappointment when his term ends next month, marking the latest departure in a series of executive exits from the health service. This ongoing leadership turnover follows criticism over the handling of the hospital’s redevelopment plan and internal management issues. Community advocates and medical professionals have expressed hope that new leadership will bring meaningful change to the organisation. Local community figure Stan Stavros criticized Green’s tenure, saying he failed to adequately listen to clinicians and the community, which contributed to his departure. Upper house Greens MLC Amanda Cohn, a former doctor in the Border region, echoed these concerns, describing the executive exodus as evidence of deeper problems within AWH’s leadership. Both Stavros and Cohn emphasized that while the recent changes are a positive step, significant work remains to repair the organisation’s culture and address longstanding issues, including the controversial hospital redevelopment. The redevelopment project, valued at several million dollars, has been a focal point of debate. Stavros suggested it is not too late to reconsider the current plan, advocating for the construction of a new hospital on a greenfield site rather than continuing with upgrades to the existing facility. He argued that repurposing parts of the current hospital could still provide much-needed clinical space. Meanwhile, interim CEO Professor Andrew Way has been praised for reinstating respected clinicians and initiating cultural shifts within the hospital, signaling a potential turning point for AWH. The Border region’s health services have faced criticism for neglect and mismanagement, and the leadership changes at Albury Wodonga Health represent a critical opportunity to reset and improve healthcare delivery. However, stakeholders acknowledge that reversing the damage and shifting organisational culture will require sustained effort and time. The future direction of the hospital redevelopment remains a key issue that will influence the region’s healthcare landscape for years to come.