Mr Wright will be acting up in the position on a temporary basis for six months, from October 23.

Health District director of operations Lindsey Gough said Linda South, who has extensive experience in health leadership roles in both rural and metropolitan health services, will take up the role of general manager of Bathurst Health Service. 

Ms South has worked as general manager for Adelaide’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital and executive director of corporate services for Queensland Health’s West Moreton Health Service District

“Her skills and experience in health management also include working as principal policy advisor in health strategy and funding for Queensland Health,” Ms Gough said. 

During her tenure Ms South will lead the implementation of the recommendations from the Bathurst Health Service Review.

In his role, Mr Wright will be assisting director of nursing and midwifery Adrian Fahy, who is currently responsible for both the mental health and nursing and midwifery portfolios.

Mr Wright will take up the interim position while recruitment is underway for the director of mental health, drug and alcohol services. 

“David brings his extensive skills and experience in nursing and health service management to the interim role,” she said.

Mr Wright said taking up this position will be a nice change, particularly since he comes from a nursing background. 

“It will be enjoyable to get back to some issues related to the nursing profession,” he said.

He added that he is also looking forward to holding a position on the district executive. 

Mr Wright will be based at Bloomfield Hospital in Orange.