WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), the operator of Western Australia’s three Primary Health Networks, has today announced the appointment of Mrs Bernadette Kenny as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer. Bernadette succeeds foundational CEO, Learne Durrington, who announced her retirement earlier this year.
Bernadette has extensive experience in the health sector, beginning her career as a registered nurse, practising within Australia and overseas and progressing to clinical leadership roles. She has held senior roles with McKesson Asia Pacific and Medibank Health Solutions, managing large and diverse teams across multiple jurisdictions.
As WAPHA’s General Manager of Perth South and Perth North PHNs, overseeing statewide primary health care commissioning, and most recently leading general practice engagement and clinical teams, Bernadette is well positioned to lead WAPHA at a time when strengthening primary health care is a national priority.
WAPHA Board Chair, Dr Richard Choong, said the Board is pleased to welcome Bernadette to the helm of the organisation.
“The Board is delighted to welcome our new CEO, and we look forward to working closely with her to further move the dial on health equity and deliver on our vision of Better Health Together.
“Bernadette brings to the role a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding health care in Australia and the many opportunities afforded by the current health policy reform environment.
“She has considerable experience in building organisational culture, driving innovation and improvement in operations and delivering better health outcomes for the communities we serve.
“As a respected, committed and progressive health leader, Bernadette is well credentialled to lead WAPHA in our next phase.
“The Board thanks outgoing CEO, Ms Learne Durrington, for her strong and visionary leadership, ably stewarding WAPHA from inception to our current status as an integral part of the national, State and local health systems”.
Bernadette will commence in the role in early April this year.
“I am honoured to be appointed CEO of WAPHA, and I am committed to meeting the health care aspirations of Western Australians, particularly those who are experiencing the worst health outcomes.
“I am focused on working across the health system to strengthen our partnerships with like-minded organisations. These partnerships will help people who experience persistent health inequities to have timely and affordable access to high quality health care,” Bernadette said.
“I am thrilled to be leading the skilled and dedicated WAPHA team as we strengthen and grow our organisation.”