New Board Chair brings passion for health justice and equity

Bernard Curran might be new to the role of Metro North Health Board Chair, but he’s no stranger to the organisation.

After serving as Chair of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation (The Common Good) for several years, Bernard joined the Metro North Board in 2018 and chaired the Finance and Performance committee then the Risk and Audit committee, sharing the knowledge and experience he’s gained through his professional services career.

“Being involved with the hospital foundation gave me insight into the diversity of the organisation and the strategic issues of healthcare governance,” Bernard said.

“Knowing the leaders has been useful – I have a lot of respect for the Chief Executive and the executive and Board.”

The appeal of healthcare is rooted in the importance of accessibility to healthcare and Bernard’s wish to give back. Bernard is also on the Board of an architectural organisation involved in community, health and education and Treasurer of Caxton Legal Service, both which draw on his business and financial skills and his passion for health justice and equity. He also serves on the Board of Governors of Queensland Community Foundation, a charitable trust supporting many charitable causes across Queensland.

“We all have personal experiences of healthcare. We have all benefited from the fact that someone got out of bed to find new cures or developed a new model of care,” Bernard said.

Bernard is also serious about the responsibility of ensuring good governance and strategic leadership. With six new faces on the 10-person board, his immediate focus as Chair is to successfully onboard new Board members, with the aim of cohesively and respectfully making good decisions and working well with Metro North’s management team.

“We will do a deep dive into our strategy in the next 12 months,” Bernard said.

“We will look at what we’ve been doing, but also listen to the community, staff, and partners such as universities, community health providers, and the broader industry.

“I really want to listen and ensure we’re putting patients and staff at the centre of our strategy.”
As the largest of Queensland’s 16 hospital and health services, Bernard believes Metro North Health has a role to support and contribute to the state system.

“On a micro level, there’s a demand/supply imbalance, and we will continue to strive for solutions. This includes supporting Metro North’s research and innovation strategies,” Bernard said.

“The macros issues in the healthcare system impact our own health service – where can we influence and advocate for reform. We have a very talented group of Board members. I’m keen to draw upon their areas of interest and expertise.”

Outside of work, Bernard enjoys trying to cook food that caters to the dietary requirements of his wife Susan and their two adult children, who he says are his proudest achievement. He has recently taken up golf which he enjoys despite considering himself a ‘hacker’ on the fairways.

“A whole lot of things in my life keep overlapping. With Caxton there’s a health justice angle that links to Metro North in how we are helping elders, refugees, our First Nation peoples, and all community members in need.

“For so many people, there’s a complexity of just going to doctor appointments, small things that at times we forget.”