Orbost Regional Health has announced that Chief Executive Officer Vicki Farthing will retire from her role on 23 October following a long career in rural and regional healthcare.
During her leadership of ORH, Ms Farthing has overseen significant investment in the health service and supported a number of major developments for the Orbost community, including the construction and opening of Snowy River Views Residential
Care, the redevelopment of the Merindah Centre, accessibility and safety improvements, and work to strengthen local services and workforce capability.
She has also been a strong advocate for sustainable rural medical workforce solutions, including attracting and retaining GPs and developing models of care that reflect the needs of rural communities.
Orbost Regional Health Board Chair Tabatha Jarman said Ms Farthing has made a substantial contribution to ORH and rural healthcare.
“Vicki has dedicated much of her career to improving healthcare for people living in rural and regional communities,” Mrs Jarman said.
“Her clinical background, extensive health service experience and deep understanding of rural healthcare have provided strong and steady leadership for Orbost Regional Health and enabled many innovations around digital and virtual healthcare models.
“During her time as CEO, ORH has seen significant investment in the future of the health service, including the delivery of Snowy River Views Residential Care and important work to strengthen services, infrastructure and workforce capability and to
build partnerships within our community in particular with Moogji, supporting improved healthcare outcomes for our First Nations community.
“Vicki has also been a strong advocate for sustainable rural healthcare and for ensuring people in communities like ours can continue to access quality care close to home.
“On behalf of the Board, our staff and community, I sincerely thank Vicki for her leadership, commitment and contribution to Orbost Regional Health.”
Vicki said leading Orbost Regional Health had been a privilege.
“Orbost Regional Health is a very special organisation because of the people who work here and the community we serve,” Ms Farthing said.
“I am enormously proud of what our team has achieved and particularly proud to see Snowy River Views become a reality for our community.
“Rural health services play an incredibly important role in their communities, and I have been fortunate to work alongside people who understand that responsibility and are deeply committed to providing the best possible care.
“I leave with enormous respect for our staff, residents, patients, volunteers, Board and the broader Orbost community, and with great confidence in the future of the health service.”
Ms Farthing will continue as Chief Executive Officer until October 23.
The Orbost Regional Health Board is currently finalising interim leadership arrangements to ensure continuity and stability following her retirement.
Further information will be provided once those arrangements are confirmed.
Orbost Regional Health services will continue as usual.
