New manager for Lakeland Health

A former Rotorua doctor, Dr Nick Foster, is returning to the city to take up a position as Lakeland Health general manager.

The 38-year-old is currently based at Mid-Central Health in Palmerston North and will take up his new position in Rotorua in September.

Dr Foster said he was looking forward to returning to Rotorua and to the challenge of working at Lakeland Health.

"It will be a big challenge. Obviously I've still got to get to grips with all the challenges and opportunities that are there but I hope I can help Lakeland Health through what's required."

Having a medical background was an advantage for a manager in a health organisation, Dr Foster said.

"It brings a perspective I think that helps bring a common purpose and shared vision."

Originally from Wellington, Dr Foster worked as a house surgeon at Rotorua Hospital in 1988 before joining Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a medical registrar the following year.

He left Rotorua 10 years ago and moved to Dunedin where he worked in general practice.

In 1999 Dr Foster joined Mid-Central Health as the company manager of acute medical services which includes internal medicine, child health, women's health and clinical support. He led the organisation through a number of changes, most notably bringing clinical directors and team leaders into the management structure to establish a clinical governance approach.

In his job as general manager of Lakeland Health Dr Foster will report directly to Lakes District Health Board chief executive Cathy Cooney.

Mrs Cooney said Dr Foster was well qualified as a health administrator and she believed he would bring an enthusiastic, energetic management style to Lakeland Health.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)