Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation appoints new chief executive

A new chief executive is in town after the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation Board has announced the appointment of Lindsey Webber.

Webber will join the Primary Health Organisation at the end of May from the Waikato-based Hauraki Primary Health Organisation where she was initially clinical services manager and deputy chief executive since 2016.

Board co-chairs Luke Bradford and Paora Stanley said they were excited to have Webber at the helm.

"With a special interest in primary healthcare initiatives that focus on reducing inequities and empowering people to improve their health and wellbeing, her values are aligned with those of the Primary Health Organisation.

"We believe Lindsey will make a valuable contribution to the overall capability of the organisation as we head into a future with an ever-growing emphasis on primary healthcare.

"Her experience in developing tailored healthcare approaches for individuals and population groups so they can access the same level of service and enjoy the same outcomes as others will be key to this."

A background in women's health and being a registered nurse meant Webber had a wealth of quality management experience.

At the Hauraki Primary Health Organisation Webber was initially responsible for rolling out the Long-Term Conditions programme that came to be known as Manawanui Whai Ora Kaitiaki.

This involved working closely with general practice partners, Māori health providers, non-government organisations and other stakeholders to establish a mobile nursing and kaiawhina service providing outreach support to individuals, whānau and families with complex health and social needs.

Webber said she was looking forward to moving to the Bay and working closely with the team to achieve the Primary Health Organisations vision for healthy people and communities.