Rural Northwest Health is pleased to announce that Dr John Aitken has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors for 2024-25.
Dr Aitken will be assisted by La Vergne Lehmann who has been appointed as Deputy Chair.
Having lived in Warracknabeal since 1987 and, for the last 30 years, owning and working in community pharmacies in Warracknabeal, Horsham, Birchip, and Dimboola, Dr Aitken has a deep understanding of the challenges that rural people face in managing their health care and the important role that the local health service plays in maintaining community sustainability, health, and wellbeing.
Graduating with a PhD in 2018, his research project on community engagement strategies provided an insight into the impact of social determinants on rural health outcomes, and the importance of engaging with all community stakeholders developing co-produced strategies to address rural health issues.
Dr Aitken said he is proud to be on the Board of Rural Northwest Health, with its award-winning reputation as a small rural health service.