WA Department of Health Director General, Dr Shirley Bowen, has announced her retirement after four decades of service in medicine and senior health leadership.
Dr Bowen (pictured, right) has been the head of the State’s biggest public sector agency since May 2024 and will have served in the role for nearly three years at the time of her retirement on 26 February next year.
Against the backdrop of the significant increase in demand for health services, population growth, rapid technological evolution, and the needs of an ageing community, Dr Bowen has restructured the department to position it to lead the system into the future, said Health Minister, Meredith Hammat (pictured, left).
“I thank Dr Bowen for her outstanding leadership of the Department of Health and previously at the North Metropolitan Health Service,” said Minister Hammat.
“In her time at the Department of Health Dr Bowen has undertaken reforms that will benefit Western Australia’s health system well into the future, including completion of the State Health Operations Centre.
“Her deep knowledge and experience across all aspects of health, combined with her passion for person-centered, safe, and high-quality care has set the foundation for sustained improvement in health service delivery across the State.”
Before taking on the role of Director General, Dr Bowen also served as the Chief Executive of the North Metropolitan Health Service, CEO of St John of God Subiaco, Chief Health Officer of the Australian Capital Territory, Executive Director of Fremantle Hospital, and the Dean of the School of Medicine at The University of Notre Dame Australia.
Through her career, Dr Bowen built a reputation for her deep knowledge and expertise across all health domains and an unwavering focus on creating a stronger future for public health services, said Minister Hammat.
“Under her leadership, amongst her many achievements, Dr Bowen has helped steer the 2026 Winter Strategy, facilitate the historic rollout of FluMist, and prepare the public health system to welcome a new hospital in Mount Lawley Hospital,” she said.
“I wish Dr Bowen the very best for her well-deserved retirement.”
The Minister said a nationwide search will be undertaken to appoint the next Director General of the Department of Health.
