News
Statement on the resignation of WA Health Director-General Dr David Russell-Weisz
Thursday December 14, 2023
On the announcement of the resignation of Dr David Russell-Weisz PSM from his role as Director-General of WA Health, the AMA (WA) expresses its sincere gratitude for his leadership and dedication to serving the health interests of all Western Australians.
We recognise his long-term commitment to public service, and have greatly appreciated the close relationship, candor, willingness to listen, and ability to respond to our concerns.
The AMA (WA) was fortunate to work directly with Dr Russell-Weisz, and the WA health system has benefited from his oversight in addressing some of the biggest healthcare challenges our State has faced, including implementing Voluntary Assisted Dying, implementing the Health Services Act, initiating health system reform through the Sustainable Health Review, introducing a new governance structure and creating WA Health Service Providers, and of course keeping Western Australians safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comments attributed to AMA (WA) President Dr Michael Page:
“A lot has happened in health in WA in the last eight years of Dr Russell-Weisz’s tenure.
“The successful commissioning of major tertiary hospitals including Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital, and several regional hospitals, has occurred under Russ’ leadership.
“WA fared better than most jurisdictions globally during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Russ’ leadership of WA Health during this period played a big part.
“I’ve personally appreciated his efforts to build relationships within the clinical community, which is essential for the leader of a health system under as much pressure as ours. We wish Russ all the best for whatever comes next and look forward to working with his successor to continue building a better health system for all Western Australians.”
