News

Group CEO bids farewell after 16 years

After adding 12 hospitals to the St John of God Health Care group, increasing hospital bed numbers from 1,300 to 3,300, overseeing development of our community services and more than tripling the number of caregivers during his time as Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Michael Stanford has announced his departure from St John of God Health Care.

16 Mar 2018

16 March 2018

Dr Stanford was appointed to the role of Group CEO in 2002 and under his stewardship, St John of God Health Care has grown significantly, both in its clinical services and in its focus on Social Outreach.

It has grown from the 80th largest private company in Australia to the 20th and has become the largest Catholic sector hospital services provider and the third largest non- Government hospital operator in Australia.

Dr Stanford said that it had been a great honour and privilege, as well as a career highlight, to be the Group CEO of St John of God Health Care.

“While a significant portion of my legacy has been on bricks and mortar development, I’m most proud to have led an organisation that has focused strongly on excellence in clinical care and an holistic, person-centred approach,” he said.

“It’s been a wonderful 16 years and I thank my group executive team and all our caregivers who make St John of God Health Care such a great institution.”

Dr Stanford has been an advocate for a greater role for Catholic healthcare involvement in public health. Under his leadership St John of God Health Care opened the first Catholic run public hospital in Western Australia, St John of God Midland Public Hospital, which has been embraced by the community it serves and is providing an outstanding service.

St John of God Health Care Board Chairman Tony Howarth thanked Dr Stanford for his leadership and outstanding contribution to St John of God Health Care and said he was leaving the organisation in excellent shape.

“Under Michael’s leadership SJGHC has become a major player in the national health sector,” he said.

“Michael has always placed Mission at the heart of all decision making.”

“As a result St John of God Health Care is now servicing a substantially larger number of patients and clients across Australia, New Zealand and Timor Leste.”

Dr Stanford's last day is 21 March 2018 and he will now embark on a nonexecutive director career.

Dr Michael Stanford's timeline as Group CEO

2002 - Dr Michael Stanford starts as Group Chief Executive Officer at St John of God Health Care

2003 - Acquired Berwick Hospital (Gibb Street)

2004 - Bought Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital

2005 - Added Pinelodge Clinical and Bendigo Hospital

2007 - Merged with the Brothers of St John of God services which added Burwood and Richmond hospitals, Hauora Trust and Accord

2008 - Established Health Choices

2014 - Acquired Mt Lawley Hospital

2015 - Bought Hawkesbury District Health Service and opened St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals

2018 - Opened the new St John of God Berwick Hospital (Kangan Drive)

Dr Michael Stanford's lasting legacy

Since 2002, St John of God Health Care has grown from the 80th largest private company in Australia to the 20th in 2018 and it has become the largest Catholic sector hospital services provider and the third largest non-government hospital operator in Australia
Since 2002, 12 hospitals/health services have been added to the Group
Increased the number of beds from 1,358 beds in 2002 to 3,301 beds in 2018 – that is a 143% increase
Nearly all pre-existing facilities added more beds
Built two brand new hospitals – St John of God Berwick Hospital (opened in 2018) and St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals (opened in 2015)
Incorporated arts into our health care services, by forming the WA Arts and Health Consortium in 2016 and expanding our art collection from 103 works to 700 pieces over the last 5 years.
In 2017, St John of God Health Care contributed more than $19.7 million towards Social Outreach services.
In 2002, there were 8 divisions of St John of God Health Care - seven hospitals and Pathology
In 2018, there are 22 divisions of St John of God Health Care – 18 hospitals, Accord, Social Outreach, Hauora Trust and Health Choices)
In 2010, Michael was named WA Citizen of the Year for Industry and Commerce in recognition of his leadership in growing St John of God Health Care
In 2018, Michael was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the health sector through executive roles, to tertiary education, and in the community of Western Australia.