Local health chief Scott McLachlan has announced his departure from the role as Chief Executive of the Western NSW Local Health District, from next month.
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He will take up the same role at Central Coast LHD.
Mr McLachlan has become a familiar face in Dubbo and the Western region of NSW throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
"After eight years in this role, I believe it's time for me to take on a new challenge, and to also allow a fresh leadership approach in this region," said Mr McLachlan.
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"This was my first posting as a Chief Executive and I've both learned from, and enjoyed the role. It's been a privilege to work with our exceptional clinical workforce, all the supporting services, our leadership team and Board, and our local communities.
"It's been a challenging role, but I could not have asked for a more rewarding experience."
His announcement came via a press release from the local health service late Thursday afternoon.
He will depart on November 10.
The media release from Western NSW LHD stated that, interim leadership would be put in place "well in advance of that date, and permanent recruitment to also commence during that time".
"It isn't easy to leave a job and a place that you love, but it's time for me to take on something new," Mr McLachlan said. "I'm also looking forward to being able to bring my family closer together.
"It's been a privilege to lead the WNSWLHD, and I'm grateful to have been in the leadership role during a time when regional healthcare has really matured."
He listed seeing the "Dubbo Dubbo Hospital redevelopment come along in leaps and bounds", as well as "a number of Multipurpose Service developments and enhancements completed or commenced".
"While all those achievements have been great to be a part of, I will also have a genuine sense of pride in being part of a workforce of something like 8,000 people who go about their work every day, caring for patients and individuals in the community in ways that make a tremendous difference.
"The last two years have been an exceptional test of health services around the world, and our Local Health District has shown it has great clinical talent, leadership and resilience in not just responding to those challenges, but often leading the way in the regional COVID response.
"While I'm looking forward to my new role, I will always be grateful to the people in our LHD team and communities who have supported me, and who I've learned so much from."
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