Health Hawke’s Bay CEO Appointment

This is a supplied media release.

Primary health organisation Health Hawke’s Bay (HHB) announces that its current general manager Wayne Woolrich has been appointed as chief executive with immediate effect.

HHB chairman Bayden Barber says he has followed Mr Woolrich’s development and is very pleased to see him step up to the role.

“I’ve got to know Wayne during the last two years, and this is his second promotion during that time. He is the right person to lead our organisation into the future, making sure that Health Hawke’s Bay is well placed to meet the challenges and changes ahead for the primary health care sector.

“We expect there will soon be changes to the model of primary and community healthcare, and that will create strategic opportunities for Health Hawke’s Bay to strengthen the delivery of these services in our region and deliver better outcomes for the community.

“Wayne is tasked with leading our organisation through this process, as well as working with the wider healthcare community. The board and I congratulate him on his appointment and wish him every success,” says Mr Barber.

Mr Woolrich says he is delighted.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me. In my other roles at HHB I have developed a deep understanding of the sector, how HHB can help its General Practice stakeholders and work effectively with the DHB.

“I’m looking forward to moving from an operational to a strategic role and making sure that Health Hawke’s Bay delivers on its commitment to listening and working with our communities and providers to improve health outcomes for Māori, Pasifika and other high-needs communities.

“Health Hawke’s Bay has a major role to play in supporting the delivery of primary healthcare, and I’ll be making sure that we do that in a way that is efficient and meets the need of the community and medical professionals that care for them,” says Mr Woolrich.

Mr Woolrich grew up in Hawke’s Bay and joined HHB in June 2016 as business services manager. He was promoted to the position of general manager soon after, leading a team of 35.

In his previous role as general manager, Mr Woolrich was responsible for ensuring the development and delivery of health programmes to the community with a strong focus on Māori and Pasifika health outcomes. He was also responsible for developing strong relationships with health providers and supporting general practice.

Prior to joining HHB he held the positions of national finance manager for a national property consultancy firm and business operations manager at Green Cross Health leading the acquisition and performance optimisation for the medical division.