St John of God Warrnambool Hospital appoints new CEO

21 Mar 2024

After acting in the role for the past five months, Maria steps into the role with a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the hospital's future.

Maria will work alongside St John of God Warrnambool Hospital Director of Clinical Services Leanne McPherson, who is also the hospital site lead, to guide the hospital.

Maria has a background in nursing and clinical operations, and experience in as a CEO at a number of St John of God Health Care hospitals.

She has served as St John of God Ballarat Hospital’s Director of Nursing for the past 11 years, and has stepped into acting CEO roles at St John of God Bendigo Hospital, St John of God Bunbury Hospital, and St John of God Ballarat Hospital over that time.

St John of God Health Care Chief Operating Officer Ben Edwards said Maria’s extensive experience within the organisation made her the ideal leader for the next chapter at St John of God Warrnambool Hospital.

“Maria is well-placed to lead St John of God Warrnambool Hospital and continue leading critical health care services so that the community has choice and access private hospital care when they need it,” he said.

“We have invested in St John of God Warrnambool Hospital’s capability, including adding robotics into our theatres, so that our community can benefit from leading technology and care close to home.”

St John of God Warrnambool Hospital CEO Maria Noonan said the introduction of robotics to the hospital would assist in attracting and retaining doctors to the region, and provide top-tier surgical practices to the Warrnambool community.

"It is a privilege to be named CEO of St John of God Warrnambool Hospital. I am eager to lead our hospital into a future where we continue to deliver exceptional care and support to our community,” she said.

“We are focused on providing the highest standards of health care which drives every decision we make, ensuring that we remain a beacon of hope and healing.”