He was instrumental in the purchase of Hawkesbury District Health Service, now St John of God Health Care Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Michael Stanford has announced his departure.
In his time as CEO Dr Stanford has added 12 hospitals to the St John of God Health Care group, increasing hospital bed numbers from 1,300 to 3,300, overseen development of our community services and more than tripled the number of caregivers.
Dr Stanford was appointed to the role of Group CEO in 2002 and under his stewardship, St John of God Health Care has grown significantly, both in its clinical services and in its focus on Social Outreach.
It has grown from the 80th largest private company in Australia to the 20th and has become the largest Catholic sector hospital services provider and the third largest non- Government hospital operator in Australia.
Dr Stanford said that it had been a great honour and privilege, as well as a career highlight, to be the Group CEO of St John of God Health Care.
“While a significant portion of my legacy has been on bricks and mortar development, I’m most proud to have led an organisation that has focused strongly on excellence in clinical care and an holistic, person-centred approach,” he said.
“It’s been a wonderful 16 years and I thank my group executive team and all our caregivers who make St John of God Health Care such a great institution.”
Dr Stanford has been an advocate for a greater role for Catholic healthcare involvement in public health. Under his leadership St John of God Health Care opened the first Catholic run public hospital in Western Australia, St John of God Midland Public Hospital, which has been embraced by the community it serves and is providing an outstanding service.
St John of God Health Care Board Chairman Tony Howarth thanked Dr Stanford for his leadership and outstanding contribution to St John of God Health Care and said he was leaving the organisation in excellent shape.
“Under Michael’s leadership SJGHC has become a major player in the national health sector,” he said.
“Michael has always placed Mission at the heart of all decision making.”
“As a result St John of God Health Care is now servicing a substantially larger number of patients and clients across Australia, New Zealand and Timor Leste.”
Dr Stanford's last day is 21 March 2018 and he will now embark on a nonexecutive director career.
Dr Michael Stanford's timeline as Group CEO
- 2002 - Dr Michael Stanford starts as Group Chief Executive Officer at St John of God Health Care
- 2003 - Acquired Berwick Hospital (Gibb Street)
- 2004 - Bought Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital
- 2005 - Added Pinelodge Clinical and Bendigo Hospital
- 2007 - Merged with the Brothers of St John of God services which added Burwood and Richmond hospitals, Hauora Trust and Accord
- 2008 - Established Health Choices
- 2014 - Acquired Mt Lawley Hospital
- 2015 - Bought Hawkesbury District Health Service and opened St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals
- 2018 - Opened the new St John of God Berwick Hospital (Kangan Drive)