A veteran clinician with 15 years’ experience in the Territory has stepped up as NT Health’s new chief executive.
Dr Marco Briceno has been appointed NT Health’s new chief executive officer following a national recruitment process.
He had been acting in the role since October last year.
His predecessor, Frank Daly, left the position at the same time to become chief executive of the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet.
Frank Daly was appointed the new chief executive of the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet in October last year. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson
Dr Briceno, a “long term Territorian”, has been a medical practitioner for more than two decades.
For the last 15 years he has worked in the Territory across a range of leadership and management roles, including as a systems manager and in clinical positions in both hospital and primary health care settings.
He was formerly the NT’s deputy chief health officer.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said Dr Briceno understood the local landscape and its challenges.
“(He) will be a guiding force as we continue to provide better health outcomes to all Territorians,” she said.
Royal Darwin Hospital is set to get a new 32-bed multipurpose ward in the next 12 to 18 months. Picture: Che Chorley
“I look forward to working with Dr Briceno as we continue to make sure all Territorians, no matter where they live, have access to quality healthcare services.”
Dr Briceno said it was a “tremendous honour” to be appointed to the role.
“Transformative work is already well under way to help us achieve our vision of providing high quality and contemporary care that is aligned to the latest standards but is adapted to the uniqueness of the Territory, including the cultural needs of our patients and our communities,” he said.
“A guiding pillar for all we do is to deliver the right care, at the right place, at the right time and most importantly, as close to home as possible – no matter where you live across the Territory.”
Dr Christine Connors became the Territory’s new chief health officer in May this year. Picture: Supplied
A complete restructure of the board of Royal Darwin and Palmerston Regional hospitals is understood to remain ongoing.
First announced in June last year, it was initially reported to involve up to 45 senior leadership roles being axed.
Dr Briceno’s appointment follows that of Dr Christine Connors, who was made the department’s new chief health officer earlier this month.
The Territory government has allocated about $2bn towards health in its latest budget.
A new 32-bed, multipurpose ward at Royal Darwin Hospital tops the list of infrastructure promises, while funding will also go to previously announced projects including a new forensic mortuary, pathology and a bereavement facility at RDH and a new Gunbalanya health centre.
About $1m will be spent on planning for the future of the health system as well, with a replacement of RDH flagged as part of that study.