The Victorian Government has announced the appointment of Chris Altis as Board Monitor at not-for-profit community health organisation, cohealth, for an initial 12-month term.
Mr Altis’ (pictured) appointment follows a recent independent review into the organisation’s general practice service model, governance and finances.
The review was clear in its findings and recommendations that cohealth must rebuild confidence and restore community trust. It recommended that this would require strengthening senior management and board governance.
Mr Altis has 30 years of experience in the health sector – working in policy and advisory roles in Victoria and nationally. He is currently a non-executive director at the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network, Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre and William Angliss Institute.
Mr Altis will attend all Board and committee meetings as an independent observer. His role includes decision-making oversight and supporting the Board’s ongoing development and effectiveness. He will report directly to the Victorian Government to ensure cohealth is improving and meeting the expected standards.
Since the independent review, both the Victorian and Federal Governments have continued to work with cohealth in good faith, the Government said in a statement.
“This work has focused on the shared goal of delivering safe, sustainable primary care for vulnerable Victorians. Community health organisations play an important role in Victoria’s health system,” it stated.
