Central Otago Health Services Inc., which runs Dunstan Hospital, has announced two new directors of the organisation.

The two new directors are Francie Diver, of Alexandra, and Richard Thomson, who splits his time between Dunedin and Alexandra.

Central Otago Health Services Ltd. is the operating company that manages Dunstan Hospital and associated community allied and nursing services covering the main towns of Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra and surrounding areas.

The decision to increase the number of Directors for one year is a reflection of the work at a strategic level required for COHSL to navigate its way as the health system transitions from District Health Boards to Health New Zealand and the Maori Health Authority July 1, 2022 and Locality Networks are formed.

Francie Diver QSM will be known to many of you already in her numerous roles around Central Otago. 

She has been involved in the community and Maori Health in Central Otago for more than 30 years including as Director of Uruuruwhenua and also being our tangata whenua representative on COHInc until stepping down recently. Francie is also COHSL’s Hākui. 

Richard Thomson is a past Chair of the Otago DHB and was an elected member of the SDHB. 

He was an Assistant Commissioner running the SDHB after the Board was replaced by a Commissioner team, and is a trustee of The Healthcare Otago Charitable Trust, and a Director of a number of other organisations including Dunedin City Holdings Ltd.

”This is a wonderful opportunity for me to take part as a director after spending 23 years on COHInc working on behalf of the community and like Richard working on the rebuild of Dunstan Hospital,” Francie Diver says 

“I come from a strong Maori community background and I’m looking forward to working alongside the high calibre of directors involved in the Governance of Dunstan Hospital.”

Richard Thomson says he is delighted to be involved with COHSL as a Director after enjoying a long relationship with them from the DHB side of the fence. 

“During my time as Chair of the Otago DHB I worked actively to achieve the rebuild of Dunstan Hospital so it seems fitting to be able to continue that involvement by taking up a Directors role.”

Allan Kane, COHSL Chairman says he is thrilled to welcome Francie and Richard to the Board of COHSL. 

“The diversity, experience, and community knowledge that they bring at this critical time of change will complement the skill base already around the Board table.  

“Ruth Harrison decided to stand down at this year’s AGM and I would like to thank her for her seven years of dedication to the governance of COHSL.”