Werribee Mercy has appointed a new chief executive to introduce changes and improve performance at the hospital.
Parent organisation, Mercy Health, on Tuesday appointed experienced healthcare leader Michael Krieg as chief executive of health
services.
A former executive with Uniting Care and Wesley Hospital, Mr Krieg will be responsible for improving the quality of care and clinical governance at Werribee Mercy following two reviews into the hospital over the past 12 months.
In May 2023, Mercy Health commenced an organisation-wide review into its overall clinical governance structure, with the hospital already implementing changes it recommended.
In September 2023, a second clinical governance review of Werribee Mercy Hospital and Mercy Mental Health and Wellbeing Services began in partnership with Mercy Health and Safer Care Victoria (SCV).
The findings of this review have also now been received and
Mercy Health chief executive Angela Nolan said the appointment of Mr Krieg meant the work of improving the hospital the would now begin in earnest.
“Over the next 18 months, we will undergo a period of transformation implementing the recommendations which will be supported by robust governance arrangements,” she said.
A steering committee and working groups have been established to oversee the improvements and Ms Nolan said these would receive feedback from hospital staff, patients and families during the implementation period.
“We are committed to communicating transparently with our staff and the local community throughout this
period of change.” she said.
As the only public hospital in Australia’s fastest growing council area, Werribee Mercy has long
struggled with staff and bed shortages and excessive delays.
Data released by the Victorian Agency for Health Information last year found less than 40 per cent of the hospital’s emergency patients were treated within the recommended time, the lowest in the state.
A redevelopment of Werribee Mercy’s emergency department is currently underway.
