Western Sydney Local Health District

Graeme Loy

Over the last 12 years Graeme has held a number of executive roles, including Chief Executive for NSLHD. His knowledge of both clinical and corporate services includes a strong focus on system performance through healthy relationships.

Graeme has accumulated significant experience in all aspects of leadership in both the public and private sectors. He takes great pride being able to deliver highly complex clinical services through high performing teams.

His breadth of knowledge spans facility, district and statewide environments and enables him to couple strategic direction with the broader improvement and research goals, including ensuring optimal provision of safe, high quality and timely clinical services in concert with the needs of the community and the health system.

With patients as his principal focus Graeme strives to support NSW Health to deliver high quality care and brings a simple motto to each discussion – “What if it was your mum?” 

Tiffany Sly

BAppPsych, MAppAnth, GAICD

Tiffany was appointed to the role in August 2019. Tiffany commenced her career in community based mental health services and has since worked in population health screening and program management both here in Australia and overseas. She has a wealth of experience in state and commonwealth government environments in health system management including specialising in performance, planning and governance processes.

Tiffany has worked at the overall state level in recent years building relationships with a number of local health districts and specialty health networks in NSW, helping them to deliver on performance expectations and governance requirements.

Tiffany's role also includes the Corporate Governance portfolio which oversights risk, insurance, legal services and corporate records. Overall Tiffany provides direction on sound governance and health administration processes and supports delivery of the organisation's strategic and operational objectives. 

 

Ross Sinclair

Appointed in August 2023, Ross has previous experience working across the NSW Health system in senior leadership roles and at the Ministry of Health in similar roles. He has extensive experience in both private and public sector roles from banking, manufacturing, aerospace and health. 

Ross has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) Degree, is CPA qualified, and has a Masters of Health Service Management. Ross is the current National President and Chairman for HFMA and is the current NSW HFMA Chapter Chairman. Ross is very passionate about equity, ensuring we provide quality healthcare for all citizens and creating sustainable health systems for the future. 

Alison Derrett

Alison is currently the Executive Director Operations of Western Sydney Local Health District. Alison is a graduate of the University of New South Wales where she received a Bachelor of Social Work. Alison has completed post graduate studies in public administration and completed her Masters of Business Administration (Health Service Management) from the University of Tasmania.

Alison has extensive experience in leading and managing complex organisations, most recently the General Manager of Campbelltown and Camden Hospitals, where she was responsible for the $700 million capital redevelopment at the Campbelltown campus.

Alison is an ex-officio member of the WSLHD Board.

Maria Lingam

Maria Lingam is the Director of Nursing and Midwifery for the Western Sydney Local Health District. She has been in the public health system for 26 years, specialising in Orthopaedic Trauma.

Maria has worked in various health districts, including Western Sydney, South Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains, where she has held a range of senior executive leadership positions, including senior nursing and midwifery positions such as Patient Safety and Quality Manager and Divisional Manager of Women’s and Children’s Services. She has also held the positions of Director, Nursing and Midwifery at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, and Associate Director of Clinical Practice and Performance with the Western Sydney Local Health District.

Maria has a passion for quality improvement through clinical best practice and in fostering the professional development and practice of nurses and midwives. As the Director of Nursing and Midwifery, she continuously strives to maintain a positive work culture for nurses and midwives in not only Western Sydney, but throughout the health system as a whole. 

Dr Rebecca (Bec) Nogajski

B Med Sci, MBBS, FRACP (Paediatric Emergency), Master of Medical Education, Grad Cert Clinical Epidemiology.

Dr Rebecca (Bec) Nogajski commenced as the Acting Executive Director of Medical Services in February 2022, having previously acted in the role for an extended period in 2021. Bec joined Western Sydney in April 2020 as the Director of Paediatrics. The role of Clinical Network Director of Paediatrics was added to her scope in April 2021.

Bec brings to the role extensive experience in clinician leadership, engagement, and education. Previous roles include the Director of Paediatric Emergency, Director of Advanced Training and Deputy Director of Medical Administration at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Bec also developed and lead HETI”s medical leadership program for Doctors in Training as the Clinical Lead.

As Executive Director of Medical Services, Bec’s key focus is on ensuring WSLHD’s medical workforce is supported to delivery excellent care to our patients now and into the future through a strong education framework and engaged leadership.

Amanda Green

Bachelor of Nursing, Executive Masters of Public Administration, Diploma in Health Services and Health Management Systems

Joining Western Sydney Local Health District in 2016, Amanda has held roles including Deputy General Manager at Westmead Hospital and Deputy Executive Director at Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre. She was appointed acting General Manager of Auburn in November 2021.

Amanda brings a wealth of clinical and health management experience to the role from 21 years working within the NSW health system. Over her career, Amanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in health service leadership including supporting the provision of high quality healthcare.

Amanda is an accomplished health executive with a commitment to strong and influential partnerships, a well-developed understanding of the health system, and a track record in influencing complex change and health system reform. She has a passion for the public health sector, and particular interests in developing staff and creating contemporary health care environments that are patient-centred.

Amanda Green

Bachelor of Nursing, Executive Masters of Public Administration, Diploma in Health Services and Health Systems Management

Joining Western Sydney Local Health District in 2016, Amanda has held roles including Deputy General Manager at Westmead Hospital and Deputy Executive Director at Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre. She was appointed acting General Manager of Auburn Hospital in November 2021.

Amanda brings a wealth of clinical and health management experience to the role from 21 years working within the NSW health system. Over her career, Amanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in health service leadership including supporting the provision of high quality healthcare. 

Amanda is an accomplished health executive with a commitment to strong and influential partnerships, a well-developed understanding of the health system, and a track record in influencing complex change and health system reform. She has a passion for the public health sector, and particular interests in developing staff and creating contemporary health care environments that are patient-centred.

Brad brings extensive executive managerial and leadership experience to this role from his previous appointments as General Manager, Oral Health Services and Acting General Manager, Auburn Hospital

Jasmin Ellis

Jasmin joined us in September 2020 from the Ministry of Health where she was based in the State Health Emergency Operations Centre (SHEOC) where she contributed significantly to the development of the state-wide operational response model for COVID-19 including mandatory hotel quarantine, hotel and maritime exemptions processes, and state-wide COVID clinics.

Prior to SHEOC, Jasmin’s passion and contemporary approach to continual improvement led her to taking up the role of Director, Office of the Deputy Secretary Patient Experience and System Performance for the past four years. During this time Jasmin undertook pieces of work both in state-wide planning and operational areas working closely with the Deputy Secretary and Ministry Executive team as well as the Department of Premier and Cabinet on the Premier’s Priorities. These priorities have focused on ensuring patients get optimal access to the care they need both in acute and community settings. Jasmin was involved in assisting Districts and Networks meet these priorities during her time seconded into the role of Executive Director, System Management Branch.

Jason Sevil

Jason brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of Mental Health services, firstly clinically as a Registered Nurse, having first entered the register in 1996 and over the last fifteen years as a manager in a number of Senior leadership positions dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in society. Jason’s Mental Health experience includes, acute admissions, intensive care, neuro-disability, rehabilitation, case management, assertive outreach, and Forensic Mental Health across Sydney Local Health Districts and in England, Bermuda, and The Republic of Ireland. 

Jason’s understanding of the challenges of health systems and experience in leading complex organisations has led to successes with positive safety cultures, staff engagement and reduction of risk and restrictive practices. As General Manager Mental Health Services, Jason’s focus is on improvement of public health outcomes for our patients and staff through contemporary, healthcare delivery, design, and transformational leadership. 

Julia Underwood

Julia commenced her role as General Manager of Rouse Hill Hospital in July 2023.

Julia has extensive higher education including clinical qualifications in Oral Health and a Masters of Business Administration.

Innovation, collaboration and transformation are key drivers for Julia, where she continues to foster a workplace environment where people feel valued, motivated, and empowered to perform, achieve and grow.

Julia dedicates her career to transforming healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes, and creating a patient-centric environment meeting the needs of the community. Leading with integrity, Julia is driven by a passion for delivering exceptional care and fostering innovation.

Professor Mark McLean

B.Med, PhD, FRACP

Mark is a clinical endocrinologist and medical academic. He has been on the senior medical staff at Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Westmead Hospitals since 1996.

Mark has been involved in clinical teaching for more than 20 years, was Director of Physician Training at Westmead Hospital 2005-2009, and Foundation Professor of Medicine at the Blacktown Clinical School of Western Sydney University 2009-2016. He is a Past-President of the Endocrine Society of Australia, and has served as a member of the National Examining Panel of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

As Executive Director of Research Mark is responsible for providing guidance and infrastructure support for research within the district. He is passionate about enabling research in all areas of clinical practice, and translating research findings back into better patient care and health for our community.

Dr Christina Igasto

MSc, PhLic, PhD, CHIA

Christina is a healthcare professional with over 20 years’ experience in the healthcare sector. She is a strong executive leader with a proven track record of building and managing high-performing multidisciplinary teams.

Christina has a PhD in computing science (specialising in healthcare) and has an international reputation for expertise in digital health and Medtech and is a certified Health Informatician Australasia, an elite credentialing program for health informatics professionals. She was honoured in her native Sweden as one of Medtech’s 100 most powerful people in the nation in 2016 and 2017.

Appointed in October 2020, Christina leads the Digital Health Services team supporting both day to day operations and the delivery of critical business enablement programs.

Luke Taylor

Luke previously worked as the Operations Manager for COVID InTouch during the 2021 Delta wave. Prior to joining WSLHD he was the District Director of Podiatry and held several allied health leadership roles in SWSLHD.

He has experience in local and state-wide service developments, implementation, evaluation, and developing education and research opportunities for allied health.

Luke has a strong background in improving patient safety through health professional regulation. He is the President of the Podiatry Council of NSW and has held leadership roles across the regulated health professions.

 

Matt Sydenham

Matt has over 25 years experience working in various operational and infrastructure roles in both public and private health sectors of NSW.

Matt joined WSLHD in March 2019 as Director Capital Works and Asset Management and has been in his current role since August 2019.

Matt’s health experience includes operational management of clinical and non-clinical services with a focus for the past 12 years on new and repurposed infrastructure delivery whilst striving for more efficient sustainable systems of management throughout the asset life cycle. Matt is outcome focused, process driven and supports a collaborative and consultative governance framework.

As Director Redevelopment and Infrastructure Matt is responsible for delivery of the WSLHD strategic capital program in accordance with WSLHD and NSW Health requirements.

Matt’s role is committed to the development, delivery and sustainability of quality assets and infrastructure to support contemporary models of care and innovative clinical practice that enable improved patient experience and quality health outcomes.

Nicole Grice

Nicole Grice is a highly accomplished Senior HR Leader, renowned for her strategic and operational expertise. With a proven track record in designing, executing, and overseeing all facets of HR functions, she combines innovation and resilience to drive success.

Having been appointed in 2023, Nicole brings with her previous experience working in similar roles at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. She boasts extensive experience in both private and public sector positions, ranging from people services, recruiting, learning and development to employee experience, covering all aspects of Human Resources Development.

Belinda Cashman

Belinda is a proud Wiradjuri woman who has been involved with various Aboriginal communities across metropolitan Sydney not only personally but also professionally. As an Aboriginal woman she grew up in all parts of Sydney and has close ties with the Riverina area. She has also been accepted in many Aboriginal communities across the state.

Belinda has worked in a variety of roles for the NSW public sector over the last 30 years and in particular she has contributed to the development of a strategic approach to Aboriginal Health and worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people. She has a passion for creating change for Aboriginal women to grow in leaderships roles, social justice issues, creating and driving change in Aboriginal Health, child protection and housing.

Belinda assists in volunteering and has held a number of board and advisory roles over the years with Aboriginal community organisations.

Leanne Findlay

MA(OrgComm)

Leanne Findlay has more than 15 years of experience in managing communication and engagement for large, complex organisations. She has a Master of Arts (Organisational Communication) and graduated from Charles Sturt University with distinction.

Specialising in health, Leanne has experience in senior communications roles at district, state and national levels for both public and private sectors. Leanne previously managed internal communication for Western Sydney Local Health District from 2018 to 2020.

Leanne is currently leading a team of communications professionals specialising in internal communications, multimedia, social media, media relations, websites and graphic design.

This team delivers effective and engaging communication to the 1 million people in Western Sydney and beyond, as well as the District's 14,000 staff members.

Position to be updated

Dr Robert Graham

Robert is a specialist in Addiction Medicine who has worked in this field for over 20 years.

He joined WSLHD in 2009, was appointed Director for the Drug Health Service in 2019 and continues to work as a staff specialist.

His approach to those suffering from substance use disorders is based on the principle that this is primarily a health issue rather than a legal or moral dilemma.

The WSLHD Drug Health Service has a focus on evidence-based treatment and practical harm reduction measures that benefit patients, their families and the wider community. Robert is proud to lead an able group of clinicians of multiple professional disciplines and a capable administrative and executive team.

Prof Peter Hockey

Prior to the appointment as Executive Director Quality and Safety, Peter was the Director of Education and Professor of Clinical Education, a conjoint appointment between Western Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine & Health.

Until 2019 Peter was a practising Consultant Respiratory Physician with 20 years’ experience of health service leadership at a senior level within the UK’s National Health Service, as well as international academic experience as a 2007/8 Harkness Fellow in Healthcare Policy & Practice at Harvard Medical School.

During his time in the US he researched and published on determinants of quality in healthcare systems. His portfolio oversees the Clinical Governance Unit in WSLHD alongside the Research & Education Network.

Peter’s passion and expertise is in healthcare leadership, clinical quality, education, professionalism, wellbeing, workforce change and innovation to drive quality for better care of patients.