Ben Edwards.
Camera IconBen Edwards. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

St John of God Murdoch’s new CEO hopes for more collaboration with Fiona Stanley Hospital

Jaime ShurmerMelville Gazette

NEW St John of God (SJOG) Murdoch Hospital chief executive Ben Edwards is looking forward to further collaborations with Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH).

The 40-year-old moved to Murdoch after a short stint as acting chief executive at the group’s Mt Lawley Hospital.

He has led clinical services across a multi-campus National Health Service Foundation Trust before spending a decade in health care consulting in the UK.

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Mr Edwards also led the Operating Theatres Transformation Program, which is now underway at Murdoch and St John of God Subiaco Hospitals.

He said doctors worked across both Fiona Stanley and St John of God Murdoch Hospitals and there were many opportunities for further collaborations in the future.

The two hospitals are also looking to the future Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct.

“The precinct’s development has put us very much in the centre of what has the potential to become a new urban area for Perth,” Mr Edwards said.

He has his work cut out for him though, with a reported drop in private Emergency Department presentations since FSH opened coupled with a significant jump in births.

SJOG Murdoch is wrapping up its redevelopment, finishing with a refurbishment of the maternity ward.

In four years, the hospital has completed a new wing, medical centre, cancer centre, foyer, chapel, endoscopy unit and additional theatres and expansions.

“We are using the latest technology in this project to completely change the way we work in our theatres and other procedural areas,” Mr Edwards said.

“It will enable a smoother service for our patients and a more efficient working environment for our doctors and staff.”

The hospital boasts 16 theatres and the original wards have been refurbished to match the new wards.

“One of the motivating factors for me in applying for this position was the fantastic culture at Murdoch and way that despite its size, it has managed to retain its family-like feel,” Mr Edwards said.

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