Jim Birch AM appointed Chair Designate
8th July 2019
Calvary Health Care is delighted to announce the appointment of James (Jim) Birch AM as Chair Designate of the Little Company of Mary Health Care (LCMHC) Board. He will commence in the role following the retirement of the current Chair the Hon. John Watkins AM in November 2019.
Jim joined the Board on 1 February 2016 following his retirement as a Partner with Ernst and Young having been the Global Health Leader. During his time in Ernst and Young Jim was also the Lead Partner in Health and Human Services for Asia Pacific and the Government and Public Sector Leader.
Jim has over thirty years’ experience in planning, leading and implementing change in complex organisations, transcending such areas as Health Care, Justice and Human Services. Jim’s career as a Chief Executive Officer is well recognised in South Australia.
During his consulting career Jim has advised on major reviews of health systems, safety and quality systems; as well as primary health care focusing on out of hospital care programs, chronic disease management and hospital avoidance programs. He has also advised on planning and service development including major capital investments involving PPPs; and organisational analysis and improvement in teaching hospitals, primary health care services and government departments.
Jim is Chair of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Chair of the Women’s and Children’s Health Network in South Australia and a Director of the Cancer Council SA. Until recently Jim was Chair of the Australian Digital Health Agency and Deputy Chair of the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority.
Jim was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours List in 2007 for service to the community through leadership and management roles in the health and justice systems, and in the areas of public housing and child protection services.
The Hon. Michael Lee, Chair of Calvary Ministries Trustee Board, which appoints the LCMHC Board Chair, says Jim’s vast experience in health and his great leadership capacity were key to his appointment.
“Jim’s obvious capability and experience and his experience on the Board since 2016 and his deep commitment to health care for the people of Australia strongly aligns with Calvary’s mission to provide quality, compassionate health care to our communities, including the most vulnerable and those reaching the end of their life.
“As Chair, Jim will be extremely well placed to continue Calvary’s plans to grow and strengthen our services, following on from John Watkins’ exceptional leadership and contribution to Calvary since 2010.
“John’s inspiring leadership has guided the development of Calvary into a strong, sustainable and relevant provider of Catholic health care. His vision and commitment has positioned Calvary well for the future delivery of mission-led high-quality health care within the communities in which we operate.”
