8 January 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.

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

“Under Michael’s leadership St John of God Health has become a major player in the national health sector,” he said.

“While retaining a strong focus on Mission and compassionate care, Michael has overseen significant expansion for the group through a combination of mergers and acquisitions, redevelopment and the expansion of public contracts.

“Under his stewardship the number of St John of God Health Care’s private acute hospitals has grown (adding St John of God Berwick, Bendigo, Mt Lawley and Midland Private Hospitals) and he has increased the group’s public hospital presence (at St John of God Midland Public Hospital and Hawkesbury District Health Service).

“He has grown St John of God Health Care’s presence in specialist services, such as St John of God Frankston Hospital, a specialist rehabitation hospital; dedicated mental health hospitals at St John of God Burwood, Richmond and Pine Lodge; home nursing through St John of God Health Choices; disability services (St John of God Accord and Hauora Trust); and Social Outreach.

“As a result SJGHC is now servicing a substantially larger number of patients and clients across Australia, New Zealand and Timor Leste.”

Dr Michael Stanford said that it has been a great honour and privilege, as well as a career highlight, to be the Group CEO of St John of God Health Care and he was now looking forward to a different stage in his career.

“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," he said.

“I now very much look forward to using my knowledge and experience to contribute to the Australian community in a different way."

Mr Howarth said a search was now underway for a replacement for Dr Stanford.