Australian Council on Healthcare Standards Announces New Chief Executive

[caption id="attachment_8602" align="alignright" width="200"] Dr Christine Dennis[/caption]
The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) announced today the appointment of its new Chief Executive Dr Christine Dennis.
“I am delighted to announce Dr Christine Dennis has been appointed by the Board of ACHS and will commence on  21 July,  2014,” said ACHS President, Adjunct Associate Professor Karen Linegar.  “Christine has an extensive background in safety and quality and has worked as a senior executive in numerous roles, most recently as Acting CEO Northern Territory Health.  “The Board would like to acknowledge the work of Dr Lena Low as Interim CE over the past year and for her passion and commitment and know she will continue to provide leadership as she resumes her previous role of ACHS Executive Director Corporate & Surveyor Workforce,” Adj. Assoc Prof Linegar said.
“Over a challenging transition period, Lena and the team positioned the not-for-profit ACHS to successfully adapt to a competitive environment.  With the introduction of a regulated healthcare accreditation industry, a strong focus on retention of existing members was required, as well as improved growth, listening to the needs of members and promoting the many benefits of ACHS membership to ensure ACHS retains its premier position as the industry leader as it celebrates its 40^th year in 2014.”
At her first interview on her role as ACHS CE, Christine stated “I am honoured and excited to take the helm of this important and respected organisation. Having worked in the health care industry for 35 years, I have gained extensive experience in senior leadership roles and, in leading safety and quality systems development.
“My goal is to bolster ACHS’s long-time mission to be the leading provider of products and services for accreditation – importantly accreditation that supports and drives performance excellence in safety and quality programs for a broad range of health service providers and for our consumers.
“As CE, I will place a high priority on continuing to increase ACHS’s visibility, participation and leadership in national and international efforts to provide safe and effective care of the highest quality.”