Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand has today announced the appointment of Fionnagh Dougan as National Director, Hospital & Specialist Services.

Announcing this permanent appointment, Te Whatu Ora Chief Executive Fepulea’i Margie Apa says the organisation has been fortunate to confirm Fionnagh in this position.

“Fionnagh brings significant experience in large-scale integration of health services and has led the development of significant health services in Queensland, Australia and the Wellington region,” said Margie Apa.

“She is skilled in creating high performing teams and leading sustainable transformation in partnership with clinicians, consumers and whānau.”

From 2015 to 2019, Fionnagh was Health and Specialist Services Chief Executive of Queensland’s Children’s Hospital and its state-wide Health Service.

Fionnagh was the Chief Executive of Capital & Coast and Hutt Valley DHBs from 2019 to 2022. In the region, she championed clinical excellence and transparency and introduced a new sub-regional Centre of Clinical Excellence. She recently led the development of the new purpose-built 50 inpatient and 100 outpatient bed child health service and hospital, Te Wao Nui, which opened last month.

Fionnagh has also formerly been Director of Provider Services at the former Auckland DHB, General Manager for Starship Children’s Hospital and Child Health Services, and General Manager for Regional Cancer and Blood, Cardiovascular, and Mental Health and Addiction Service Groups.

She begins her new role on 10 October.