Health services welcome the new Bayside Board

Starting on 1 January 2026, Bayside Health will bring together Alfred Health, Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Kooweerup Regional Health Service and Peninsula Health into one unified service.

Its aim is to improve health outcome, increase access to care and provide a more connected healthcare experience.

The new board includes directors from the five merging health services and brings a broad skill set across governance, health, community and finance. Importantly, it includes strong regional and First Nations representation.

The Hon Martin Foley, currently Alfred Health’s Board Chair, has been appointed as chair of the new board, bringing his extensive experience in the health sector to the role.

While responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, accountability and governance of the new health service, the first task for the designate board is to appoint Bayside Health’s Chief Executive.

The new Bayside Health Board includes:

• The Hon Martin Foley, Board Chair, Alfred Health
• Ms Karen Corry, Board Chair, Peninsula Health
• Ms Athina Georgiou, Board Chair, Gippsland Southern Health Service
• Mr Peter Joyce, Director, Peninsula Health
• Ms Kirsten Mander, Director, Peninsula Health
• Ms Linda McCrorey, Deputy Chair, Gippsland Southern Health Service
• Prof Christina Mitchell AO, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University and Director, Alfred Health  
• Mr Kushal Shah, Board Chair, Kooweerup Regional Health Service
• Ms Chloe Shorten, Deputy Chair, Alfred Health
• Ms Karinda Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing
• Mr Ian Thompson, Board Chair, Bass Coast Health

Our gratitude goes to all board members from the five merging health services.

Their dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of their communities, has led to the creation of Bayside Health which will care for more than 1.2 million Victorians.

Quotes attributable to Adjunct Prof Adam Horsburgh, Chief Executive, Alfred Health

“This announcement marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Bayside Health.

"We are fortunate to have deep experience and expertise on this board to help guide the new health service to deliver even better health outcomes.

"Through this voluntary merger, our expanded community will enjoy a more connected healthcare experience with easier access to care.”

Quotes attributable to The Hon Martin Foley, Board Chair, Alfred Health

“I am honoured to lead the inaugural Board of Bayside Health and to work with such dedicated colleagues.

"This board reflects the communities and the cultures of the five organisations coming together to improve the care for more than one million Victorians. 

"My thanks go to our outgoing Board and the substantial contribution they have made to Alfred Health and the creation of Bayside Health.”