20 April 2018

He was selected with consideration and discernment after an extensive recruitment process, which included both national and international search and will commence his position in mid-May.

Dr Kelly is currently Group CEO of Mater Misericordiae, a large Catholic healthcare provider with seven hospitals, health centres, pathology, pharmacy businesses and a world-class medical research institute. He has held that role since 2015.

He was previously employed by St John of God Health Care as CEO of St John of God Subiaco Hospital, the group’s largest and oldest hospital, for eight years.

He has extensive experience in public health, including as Chief Executive at North Metropolitan Health Service, part of WA Health.

Making the announcement, Mr Howarth said that Dr Kelly had outstanding credentials for the position.

“Shane has strong experience managing a large and complex Catholic healthcare group, with both private and public hospitals and a range of associated services.

“He has a deep understanding of the Australian healthcare system and strong experience in running hospitals, both public and private.

“His extensive government experience is highly valuable to us, as we have a long standing goal to provide greater public sector work.

“As a previous long-serving and highly regarded executive within St John of God Health Care managing one of our largest hospitals, he knows our organisation and Mission to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ well, and has strong existing networks and relationships which will enable him to hit the ground running.

“We are delighted to welcome him back to St John of God Health Care as Group CEO.”

Dr Kelly said that he was very much looking forward to rejoining St John of God Health Care as Group CEO.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve in this capacity for such a wonderful organisation; to work with such a high calibre Board and Trustees, and with our dedicated caregivers and specialist practitioners across the spectrum of services provided by St John of God Health Care in Australia and abroad - much needed services to patients, clients and other consumers,” he said.

St John of God Health Care is the largest Catholic sector hospital services provider and the third largest non-Government hospital operator in Australia. It was established by the Sisters of St John of God in 1898 and has 23 divisions, including 17 hospitals, with more than 3,350 beds. In 2016-17, it treated more than 350,000 overnight and same day patients, and delivered more than 12,500 babies.

St John of God Health Care has grown significantly and is now the 20th largest private company in Australia, employing more than 14,000 caregivers.