Tributes are flowing for longstanding St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba CEO Kathryn McKeefry who will leave the hospital on 23rd September.

Ms McKeefry joined St Vincent’s in 2016 bringing extensive experience in numerous and diverse health organisations around the world to the role. During the last eight and a half years, she has led the hospital through a significant period of positive change and development. She has overseen major developments including new operating theatres, a new Emergency Department and ICU, and numerous improvements to the hospital’s many services.

Ms McKeefry is leaving St Vincent’s on a high note. Last month, the hospital passed the triennial National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS) accreditation process with flying colours.

“To have had the privilege of leading teams of excellent staff, witness the high clinical standards adhered to and to see the close relationships we now have with our doctors, patients and the wider community, is so rewarding” she said. “I am very proud of our achievements but will genuinely miss the relationships I’ve forged during my tenure as CEO,” Ms McKeefry said.

Dr Dennis Campbell, Chair of Darling Downs Health Board, paid tribute to Ms McKeefry’s contribution to St Vincent’s Hospital. “Kathryn brought St Vincent’s Toowoomba back to having a presence in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs,” Dr Campbell said. “St Vincent’s is a community hospital and Kathryn reinvigorated the hospital. She also brought in a lot of tertiary services. “She has done a great job and has continued the St Vincent’s Mission that the Sisters of Charity started all those years ago,” Dr Campbell said.

Senior specialist and St Vincent’s doctor since 1996, Dr Eric Donaldson, said he was saddened to hear news of Ms McKeefry’s resignation. “I have always had a lot of respect for the massive developments and endeavours Kathryn orchestrated for St Vincent’s,” Dr Donaldson said. “Her passion and commitment for St Vincent’s was very apparent and admirable. Whatever the future holds for her, I wish Kathryn well and congratulate her on the legacy she’s left. She will be hard to replace.”

Deputy chairman of People First Bank, Kerry Betros, described Ms McKeefry as a driving force in the community. “In her time at St Vincent’s, Katheryn has been the driving force behind great advances in the facilities and services provided by the hospital,” Mr Betros said. “She has revitalized and grown the hospital but at all times placing the needs of the patients as first priority. “Under her leadership St Vincent’s has become a very trusted hospital the community can be proud of,” he said.

Longtime St Vincent’s supporter and philanthropist Clive Berghofer AM said Ms McKeefry had achieved so much in her time as CEO. “I am disappointed to see her leave. She has achieved so much and is a great asset to the community,” he said.

Director of the Emergency Department at St Vincent’s, Dr Andrew Parkin paid tribute to Ms McKeefry’s renovation, rejuvenation and development of the hospital campus. “From a cognitive point of view Kathryn could pull together the loose ends and had the skills to create the beautiful end products. “But she also cared. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated great empathy and
awareness of individual’s needs and those of the community. She was a tremendously caring CEO trying to push to improve services for people,” Dr Parkin said.

Emergency Department Nurse Unit Manager, Lauren Phillips also acknowledged Ms McKeefry’s ability to bring positive change and to bring the ED to fruition. Assistant Director of Clinical Services at St Vincent’s Nicole Piper said she was grateful to have had the opportunity to work under Ms McKeefry’s leadership. “Kathryn’s vision and commitment is evident throughout the hospital, making it a hospital I am proud to work in. Her wisdom and encouragement have been invaluable in helping me grow my professional career and I wish her good luck and success on her new path,” Ms Piper said.

Assistant Director of Perioperative Services Rebekah Butler agreed. “As CEO of St Vincent’s Toowoomba for the last eight and a half years, Kathryn has been instrumental in driving forward the redevelopment of several departments and bringing the hospital to the excellent standard it is,” she said. “In addition to that, Kathryn is an excellent leader and has been a great support and mentor to emerging managers within the hospital. “Her listening ear and guidance will be greatly missed,” Ms Butler said.