Western NSW Local Health District chief to move onto Central Coast role

"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," Mr McLachlan said.

"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."

Mr McLachlan will depart on 10 November with interim leadership 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. I'm also looking forward to being able to bring my family closer together," he said.

"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.

"The best part of a decade ago we couldn't have imagined that some of the high-end care that we now have available in the region could have flourished.

"But we now have exceptional services such as cardiac catheterisation, cancer care, and advanced trauma care well established in our centres, and the growth of specialised services such as renal dialysis in smaller centres.

"We've seen the Dubbo Hospital redevelopment come along in leaps and bounds, solidifying its role as a major service provider in the west of the State, and forging a strong network of Base Hospital care across the District alongside Bathurst and Orange.

"We've seen a number of Multipurpose Service developments and enhancements completed or commenced.

"The redevelopment of Lachlan Health Service at Parkes and Forbes has occurred, along with a virtual greenfield redevelopment at Mudgee Health Service, and now the Cowra project is underway.

"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."