{"id":799527,"date":"2026-07-14T10:46:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T10:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/799527\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T10:46:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T10:46:15","slug":"mystery-surrounds-sudden-departure-of-mildura-base-public-hospital-chief-executive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/799527\/","title":{"rendered":"Mystery surrounds sudden departure of Mildura Base Public Hospital chief executive"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the largest employers in Victoria’s north-west, Mildura Base Public Hospital (MBPH), has suddenly parted ways with its chief executive.<\/p>\n

Terry Welch had been in the role since September 2020, and led the hospital through its transition from private to public ownership.<\/p>\n

Hospital staff received an email yesterday from the board of directors confirming his immediate departure.<\/p>\n

No reason for the departure was provided.<\/p>\n

Period of significant change<\/p>\n

Before his role in Mildura, Mr Welch spent five years as the chief executive officer of Maryborough District Health Service in Victoria’s Central Goldfields and five years in a similar role at Yarrawonga Health in Victoria’s north.<\/p>\n

He received an honorary mention as a runner-up CEO of the Year at the 2018 Australian Healthcare Week awards.<\/p>\n

In a staff letter yesterday, the MBPH board acknowledged that Mr Welch had “led the health service through a period of significant change” during his tenure.<\/p>\n

Matthew Jukes, who had recently served as acting chief executive officer for 12 months, will lead the hospital in the interim, as the search for a new chief executive officer begins.<\/p>\n

\"five<\/p>\n

Terry Welch (right) on the day Mildura Base Public Hospital returned to public hands in 2020. (ABC News: Christopher Testa)<\/p>\n

“[We] know you will have questions and are committed to keeping you informed throughout the process,” the letter read.<\/p>\n

The hospital board directed the ABC to seek comment from the Victorian Department of Health.<\/p>\n

No reasons provided<\/p>\n

In response to a series of questions about the circumstances of Mr Welch’s departure, the department did not address why he had left.<\/p>\n

A spokesperson said the department was working closely with the hospital and its board to support a smooth leadership transition.<\/p>\n

“Patients can be assured there will be no impact on care or service delivery during this transition,” they said.<\/p>\n

\"Terry<\/p>\n

Former Mildura Base Public Hospital chief executive Terry Welch. (Supplied: MBPH)<\/p>\n

\u00a0“Our focus remains on supporting Mildura Base Public Hospital through this transition to ensure continuity of leadership and the ongoing delivery of safe, high-quality care for the local community.<\/p>\n

“Executive employment matters are a matter for the Board, and it would not be appropriate to provide further comment.”<\/p>\n

MBPH board chair Frank Piscioneri said “employment matters are confidential, and it would not be appropriate to comment on individual employment arrangements”.<\/p>\n

Mr Welch declined an interview request, as did the MBPH media unit.<\/p>\n

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