Queensland Health has appointed Dr Richard Ashby as the chief executive for e-Health Queensland to lead the state’s information communication technology (ICT) and e-health agenda.

The delivery of e-health services in Queensland has received a major boost with the appointment of Dr Richard Ashby as the chief executive for e-Health Queensland. This role will involve the supervision of ICT and e-health services across the state, together with leading a team of senior executives.

Dr Ashby’s appointment was announced by the peak body, Queensland Health, under moves to fast-track e-health services, and deliver on the leadership for healthcare reforms.

Dr Ashby brings extensive clinical and hospital administration experience to his new role. He said he was excited to take on the job and continue to shape the e-health agenda. “We have a real opportunity to improve patient care through digital innovation – giving clinicians more time to spend with patients and making their jobs as easy and accurate as possible.”

Earlier, eHealth Queensland finalised five senior executive appointments to tackle digital transformation in healthcare.

Dr Ashby will lead the high-profile team to deliver on the promise of e-health for the state. These initiatives also come under the spotlight at the FST Government Queensland conference being held 16th March in Brisbane.

Among the speakers, Corey Monaghan, executive director, architecture services, digital strategy branch, Department of Health Queensland, will deliver a keynote around strengthening Queensland’s e-health capabilities.

eHealth Queensland was established in response to the growing importance of ICT in the delivery of quality, safe and efficient healthcare. Queensland is working towards a fully-integrated health system, where staff can access information as quickly and as close to the patient as possible.

“It’s about ensuring we have the right foundations in place to embrace future technologies and innovations,” Dr Ashby said.

Dr Ashby earlier oversaw the delivery of Australia’s first large-scale digital hospital, the Princess Alexandra Hospital as the chief executive of Metro South Hospital and Health Service.

eHealth Queensland is a fundamental support agency for the delivery of health services. It supports the ICT needs of the state’s 16 hospital and health services and the Department of Health.

Dr Ashby is a highly-respected clinician and health service administrator. In 2010, he was awarded a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for service to emergency medicine, medical administration, and a range of professional associations.