Nick Bush has returned to lead East Grampians Health Service as its chief executive.

Mr Bush, previously in the role from 2010 to 2018, will officially start on January 17 after the health group’s board announced the appointment yesterday.

He replaces Andrew Freeman, who was in the position from July, 2018 to August, 2021.

East Grampians Health Service board chair Nancy Panter said the decision came after an ‘extensive and extremely competitive’ selection process.

“The number of highly experienced and motivated candidates is not only an indication of their abilities and commitment, but also recognition that East Grampians Health Service is a benchmark leader, delivering comprehensive health services in regional Victoria,” she said.

“Mr Bush is an accomplished chief executive with more than 20 years’ experience leading outstanding health services.

“He has demonstrated in previous roles his ability to lead high-performing health services through his dedication to rural healthcare, innovation, developing partnerships, continuous improvement of patient care and a focus on workplace culture.”

Ms Panter said Mr Bush had most recently been chief executive at Echuca Regional Health where he led the organisation in building its medical workforce through increasing education and training.

“He led Rural Generalist training for the Loddon Mallee, developed new partnerships with neighbouring health services and led the development of an $8.3-million cancer and wellness centre,” she said.

Ms Panter said during Mr Bush’s previous tenure in Ararat, the organisation won recognition as a Victorian health sector leader, winning Victorian Premier’s Health Service of the Year titles in 2015 and 2016 in a medium health service category.

“This appointment marks an exciting new chapter,” she said. 

“The board is looking forward to working with Mr Bush to ensure East Grampians Health Service continues to deliver high-quality safe health services to our community.” 

Mr Bush said he was excited to return to Ararat to take on the role.

“I’m very pleased to return to East Grampians Health Service, a progressive health service with an outstanding board, visiting medical officers and staff,” he said.

“The health service has a very positive future. 

“I look forward to working with the board on its next strategic plan to ensure EGHS continues to deliver high-quality health services for the community. 

“It’s an exciting time with upgraded infrastructure, a great team in place and new opportunities with the changing health landscape.

“On a personal note, it will be pleasing to catch up with the board, staff, visiting medical officers and volunteers who are very dedicated and committed to their community.

“Living in Ararat is very attractive to me. My wife is from Willaura, I grew up in the Wimmera at Dimboola and we have a lot of friends and family in the area.”

Peter Armstrong has been acting chief executive during the recruitment process.

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