'An honour and a privilege', St Andrew's Hospital CEO announces retirement

After 23 years as the CEO of St Andrew's Hospital South Australia, Stephen Walker has decided it's time to come up for some "free air".

Speaking to PH News ahead of his retirement, Mr Walker said it had been a privilege to oversee the Adelaide private hospital's development.

"Being here really has been an honour," he said.

"I think of us as one big team, and whenever you start here, whether it's as a volunteer, or washing dishes, or you're a nurse, or a neurosurgeon, we're all here to look after patients."

He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, including the introduction of cardiothoracic, robotic, and neuro surgeries, major developments at the 321 and 337 South Terrace facilities, strong relationships with health insurance funds, and the growth of staff numbers to more than 900.

"We've done some major building redevelopment, we've celebrated our 80th year, we've added a fertility service, we have a brand-new cancer centre – I'm proud of all the research we've done and the range of development here," he said.

"We've won some major awards, including with APHA, we've got a good relationship with the health funds. And most importantly, we have excellent clinical indicators, and we get exceptionally good comments from our patients.

"For me, we're big enough to be a decent size hospital, with an emergency department, an ICU etc. But we're also small enough to be a community – you get to know everyone here and I love that."

St Andrew's Hospital board chairman David Whitbread praised Mr Walker's contribution to the hospital.

"I have had the pleasure of working with Stephen for the past six years," he said.

"His achievements, interaction with VMOs and staff, and his ability to make things happen have been impressive.

"He is one of the best CEOs I have worked with, and St Andrew's position in the community is a credit to him and his executive staff."

Deputy chairman Dr Jim Sweeney noted Mr Walker's "exceptional contribution" during his tenure.

"I have been associated with St Andrew's Hospital for 37 years as a clinician and board member," he said.

"Stephen's leadership has been transformative, particularly in the structural development of the hospital and its focus on clinical excellence. This will be his legacy."

Beyond the hospital, Mr Walker has been a Council and Board member of private hospital industry body, the Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA).

APHA CEO Michael Roff paid tribute to his impact on the sector.

"Stephen can be very proud of his contribution to the private hospitals' sector.He has developed St Andrews into a 'flagship' facility which is renowned for the quality of its services and outcomes.

"APHA has been very fortunate to have benefited from Stephen's contributions over the years, as a member of various taskforces, a member of Council and as a National Board member.His passion for safety and quality is well recognised and he has represented APHA on the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards and on the Private Hospital Committee of the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare."

APHA President, Christine Gee, AM agrees.

"I have been very fortunate to work with Stephen at an industry level over many years," she said.

"He is an industry stalwart who has generously and tirelessly devoted his time, expertise and considerable acumen for the benefit of the private hospital sector and in turn Australia's health care system more broadly.

"His longstanding dedication to quality of care and patient experience is outstanding and he has had a remarkable and positive impact at both state and national levels that he can be immensely proud of. Stephen is also one of the nicest people, he is an exemplary leader."

Mr Walker said the COVID-19 pandemic had been the most "challenging" time of his career in healthcare.

"Because we do so much cancer care, we were able to keep going with that, and we worked with the state to help set up an immunisation centre for the COVID vaccine," he said.

"It was stressful, no-one really knew what it was, every state had different rules. Getting supplies was hard.

"We had one patient brought across state lines with a police escort, and basically had to get into a hazmat suit in the carpark.

"But you know, we chipped in during a time of the unknown, and that's often the case – we pull together during tough times."

Mr Walker said that while he was looking at "some board positions", for the most part, he was simply keen to relax.

"I'm happy to be able to have time to not have to commit to a schedule – we like to travel, both around the country and overseas, so we have some trips lined up," he said.

"I like to keep fit, so I jog, and ride a bike, and I play golf. I like to cook – and to just have time with family.

"I keep telling people I'm looking for some free air," he added, laughing.

"It's been a privilege to work at St Andrews, I've met a lot of really nice people, and those friendships and relationships will keep going."

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