Award-winning leadership for DHB

NEW CHIEF: Wairarapa District Health Board has appointed Hawke's Bay-based Adri Isbister as their new chief executive, who will take up the position at the beginning of October. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Wairarapa District Health Board (DHB) has appointed a new chief executive.

Hawke's Bay-based Adri Isbister will take up the position at the beginning of October.

For the last five years, Mrs Isbister has been CEO of Radius Medical Solutions - now trading as the medical division of Green Cross Health - an organisation providing comprehensive clinical and business support to 43 medical centres which employ more than 350 doctors.

She is also chair of Health Hawke's Bay, the region's Primary Health Organisation (PHO).

In a previous role, her leadership skills were recognised when she won the Vodafone Chief Executive of the Year Award as CE of Life Unlimited, a national health and disability organisation.

In 2013, Mrs Isbister led Radius Medical to win the Westpac Business of the Year Award (Hawke's Bay) and was presented with the Westpac Excellence in Business Leadership Award.

Wairarapa DHB chairman, Derek Milne, said Mrs Isbister will bring an extensive health leadership and management background to Wairarapa.

"With more than 14 years of experience in the health sector, she understands the complexities of funding, clinical governance and statutory requirements very well.

"She also knows how important it is to build relationships right across the health sector and in the community, and recognises the importance of our continuing relationships with other DHBs, especially Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast.

"Adri has led significant changes in Hawke's Bay through her strong links with primary care and in her role as chair of the PHO.

"We are confident we have chosen a positive leader with a wide vision to take the Wairarapa DHB and the community forward together to improve health services for Wairarapa people."

Mrs Isbister said she was delighted with her new challenge.

"I am looking forward to leading the organisation in its vision of 'better health for all' and in getting to know the people, the staff, communities and individuals we serve, in order to maximise healthcare."

Craig Climo, who was previously chief executive of Waikato and South Canterbury DHBs, is the interim CE until Mrs Isbister takes up the permanent position in October.