Leadership changes announced for Pinnacle Midlands Health Network

Pinnacle Midlands Health Network chief executive David Oldershaw announced his resignation from the role on Friday 7 June. David steps down as CE on 1 August but will remain with the organisation for a period to undertake project work.

"I took up the role during a period of change for the organisation, keen to help support through the transition, but I always saw it as a fixed-term role for myself," says David.

"It's now nearly two years on and MHN and Ventures are well established as separated but related entities in the Pinnacle Group so it feels like the right time for me, and for the organisation to move forward under new leadership."

The MHN Board and David have been working together since early 2019 on his exit and are delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Parker as the new chief executive. Helen will take up the post on 1 August 2019.

As a well-known face of Pinnacle, Helen is looking forward to returning to MHN from the two years she has spent in Ventures.

"Those who know me well know primary care, and its critical role in an effective and efficient health system, is where my heart is. I'm delighted to be returning to MHN to support Pinnacle practices in their delivery of high-quality care and developing other community services that address unacceptable health inequity and promote health and wellbeing," says Helen.

Helen, originally from the UK, has been working in New Zealand with Pinnacle since 2013. She has a nursing, managerial and primary care academic career spanning over 30 years. Most of that time has been spent working in and around primary care including general practice ownership and the development of practice business and service models. Helen has also worked at a national level contributing to primary health care policy and advocacy.

Since joining Pinnacle, Helen has led the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of the Health Care Home, supported the development of wider primary care and community services and worked with various practice owners to think through their strategic business planning. She has also worked in a Ventures consultancy role supporting other PHOs and non-Pinnacle practices.

"If we don't value, protect and develop primary care services, and especially for our rural communities, we will lose the fundamental infrastructure for sustainable health care for the next generation" adds Helen.

The Pinnacle Incorporated Executive Committee and Midlands Health Network boards are grateful to David for his contribution and wish him well for the future.