Dr Elissa Hathlerly
Dr Elissa Hatherly came to Mackay Base Hospital as an intern doctor straight out of university.
Almost 20 years later she’s a GP with a special interest in women’s health and one of the newest member of he Mackay Hospital and Health Board.
“I loved the area so much we never left,” she said.
“I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of roles in community as a GP, as a hospital doctor and working in the community health setting with BreastScreen.”
Dr Hatherly said she was looking forward to bringing her broad experience, diversity and clinical experience to the Board.
“I’m hoping my experience will be of value to the community,” she said.
Dr Hatherly has worked in Women’s Health for the last 15 years and is one of the founding doctors of the Family Planning and Well Women’s Clinic.
Dr Hatherly is an advocate for cancer screening with 12 years at BreastScreen Mackay service and Specialist Outpatients clinical roles.
She listed improving mental health outcomes and reducing obesity as priority health areas as well as improving recruitment of specialist staff.
“I am fortunate to be part of generalist training for GPs through JCU and have previously taught medical students at JCU.
“It is a challenge for regional areas to recruit and retain specialist staff but I’m looking forward to working to improve this,” she said.
Adrienne Barnett
Adrienne Barnett is proud to be the first member of the Mackay Hospital and Health Board who identifies as being Aboriginal.
Since moving to Mackay almost 25 years ago, Adrienne has worked in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
She has worked at the Aboriginal Legal Service and is the manager at Marabisda, also serving on boards for Murri Watch and My105.
“I’m excited about being appointed to the Board. I feel privileged and a sense of responsibility.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people don’t have good health outcomes and not as great a life expectancy as non-Indigenous people.
“Queensland Health has some great programs such as Closing the Gap so I’m looking forward to ensuring the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and experiences are heard at the Board level and are reflected in decision making,” she said.
Ms Barnett listed strengthening connections with primary care as a priority to result in fewer people coming to hospital.
