Stuart Riley

Background

About Stuart Riley

Stuart is an experienced senior executive within the health system with a unique blend of operational experience, research skills and consulting experience. He brings a broad range of skills, experience and knowledge to any role he undertakes. The improvement of health outcomes and effective delivery of the whole range of health services in rural, remote and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas present diverse challenges for health service executives. Stuart has consistently understood the challenges facing individual communities and health services, effectively engaged stakeholders in developing practical solutions and lead programs that have improved the safety, quality, acceptance and performance of health services over the past 30 years. In his current role, Stuart facilitates the provision of comprehensive planning, evaluation and advisory services to health organisations nationally. Prior to this he was the founding Chief Executive of the Far West Local Health District in NSW, the most socially disadvantaged region in the state. In a period of just over six years he reestablished the organisation; designed and lead comprehensive culture change and clinical safety improvements; ensured the organisation operated within its allocated budget and achieved agreed outcomes. Key achievements included increasing the Aboriginal workforce to almost 10%, the highest in NSW, and establishing programs linking school students from remote communities into health careers. Stuart is committed to supporting individuals and communities to achieve the best health possible, emphasising the importance of primary care and engaging communities with their health services. This can only be achieved where those employed within a health organisation are committed to meeting the needs of consumers, have the confidence to explore innovative options for meeting these needs, and the governance systems to ensure safety and accountability.