New voices join Metro North Health Board

By Sheree Hoddinett  

As part of a state-wide overhaul aimed at strengthening frontline input into hospital decision-making, Metro North Health has welcomed four new members to its hospital and health service board. 

The appointments form part of a broader initiative by the Crisafulli Government, which has seen 91 positions filled across 16 hospital and health boards throughout Queensland. Of these, 50 are new appointments and 41 are reappointments, bringing together expertise from healthcare, governance, law and business. 

A key change under the reforms is the requirement for every hospital and health board to include a frontline clinician currently working within the same Hospital and Health Service (HHS). The move is designed to ensure that those with direct, day-to-day experience in hospitals have a stronger voice in shaping policies and decisions. 

The reforms follow significant interest from the community, with more than 1000 applications received from Queenslanders keen to contribute to the future of the state’s health system. 

A Metro North Health spokesperson said the recent appointments would support governance across all facilities within the service, including Caboolture Hospital. 

“The Queensland Government recently appointed four new members to the Metro North Hospital and Health Service Board,” they said. “Metro North Health welcomes new board members appointed from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2030 including Christopher Blue, Abi Cheadle, Professor Peter Hopkins and Professor Michael Cleary PSM.” 

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said Queenslanders had voted for a fresh start that puts frontline expertise back at the centre of decision-making.    “Queenslanders were clear at the election - they wanted local doctors and nurses back shaping the future of our hospitals,” Minister Nicholls said. “Local doctors, nurses and allied health professionals know their hospitals and they know their communities.  “Ensuring clinicians have a seat at the decision-making table will help deliver practical local solutions and keep our health services focused on the care Queenslanders need. This reform is an important step in delivering a fresh start for Queensland’s health system. “Strong governance combined with frontline expertise will help strengthen our hospitals and rebuild community confidence.” 

The Crisafulli Government amended the Hospital and Health Board Act 2011 in June 2025 to mandate the inclusion of frontline clinicians on all boards. The legislation passed despite opposition from Labor, which voted against the changes. 

The government has also highlighted broader efforts to bolster the health workforce, with more than 7800 full-time equivalent staff recruited to Queensland Health since the election. 

All board appointments took effect from April 1, 2026 and members are required to meet strict governance standards, including declaring and managing any conflicts of interest.