Chief Executive Officer Retirement

10 March 2022

Chief Executive Officer Heather Messenger retires after 17 years at Burnside Hospital.

It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement as Chief Executive Officer of the Burnside War Memorial Hospital Inc.

I first joined Burnside Hospital in 2005 as Director Clinical Operations, and in 2013 I was appointed as Chief Executive Officer. Over the last 17 years I have enjoyed getting to know our patients, staff, Visiting Medical Officers and donors, and working with an outstanding team including our Board of Directors, Foundation Committee and the hospital’s Executive Leadership team.

One of the personal highlights of my tenure has been working with the Board and the Foundation Committee to further develop the Burnside Hospital Foundation. The hospital’s philanthropic beginnings, through Otto von Rieben’s gift of Attunga House and its gardens, really resonate with me; such generosity of spirit and kind. It has also been a pleasure getting to know Roger and John Andre, and Dianne Bamford, who are all descendants of Otto – his legacy is so inspiring to us all.

I remain deeply committed to growing the Foundation’s reach and building relationships with our generous supporters. This includes being a longstanding donor and member of the Otto von Rieben Giving Circle, as I believe in setting an example and it is a cause I truly care about.

Each year the Foundation provides funding for new items of equipment, infrastructure and other special projects. As both CEO and a Foundation donor it has been rewarding to play my part in allowing patients more options for their treatment and greater comfort during their stay.

We never know when we might need medical or surgical treatment and care and it is gratifying to know that in my time at Burnside Hospital, together we have made that experience even more positive for many people.

My last day will be 31 March 2022 and a recruitment and selection process is underway, overseen by our Chair of the Board Anne Hinton. It has been an honour working at Burnside Hospital and while I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life, I will miss the dedicated staff, volunteers, doctors, supporters, patients and beautiful grounds of Burnside Hospital.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our very special not-for-profit community hospital, and wishing you and your families all the best for 2022 and beyond.

Heather Messenger
Chief Executive Officer
Burnside War Memorial Hospital Inc.