Adj. Prof. Jane Hancock, Chief Operating Officer

Karlene Willcocks

CKW Executive Director

After a robust recruitment process, I am pleased to let you know that Karlene Willcocks has been appointed as Executive Director of Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals and Woodford Corrections Health Service.

Karlene has been the Director of Operations, Emergency, Paediatrics, Internal Medicine Services, Clinical Support at The Prince Charles Hospital since August 2022. Prior to coming to Metro North, Karlene held executive roles at Gold Coast HHS and BreastScreen Victoria.

She brings extensive experience in leadership, strategic and operational management, clinical and corporate governance, and cultural, structural and operational change, having successfully led clinical and operational teams at several high performing large metropolitan hospitals.

Karlene holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian College of Health Service Management.

Karlene will commence in the new role in December, after overseeing the clinical commencement of services at Kallangur Satellite Hospital.

Kallangur Satellite Hospital

Work is progressing to get the Kallangur Satellite Hospital ready for opening before the end of year.

We will be holding a community open day on Sunday 19 November from 10am-1pm which staff are invited to attend.

In addition to the Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Hub, and Oral Health services, Kallangur Satellite Hospital will also offer the Older Persons Assessment and Rehabilitation Service, and kidney health services.

Patients will be able to access life-saving kidney dialysis at the facility. The new 12-chair kidney dialysis unit has the capacity to treat approximately 48 patients each week, providing a much needed ‘closer to home’ service. Dialysis is a lifesaving but time-consuming therapy at the best of times, and many patients face long commutes up to three times per week for treatment.

Thank you to the RBWH Kidney Health Services team who are introducing this expanded service, providing patients with nursing and kidney health management six days a week, Monday to Saturday.

Kidney health services will also be provided at the Bribie Island Satellite Hospital, which remains on track to open in mid-2024. We know that receiving healthcare closer to home can result in positive health outcomes, which is why it’s important to provide the communities of Kallangur and Bribie Island with improved access to high-quality medical care.

Warm regards,

Jane.