Thanks Doc: End of an era at ERH as Dr Howlett departs key role

By Gregor Mactaggart

Jun 1, 2023

Just what the doc ordered: Dr Glenn Howlett (centre) surrounded by ERH staff at the morning tea celebrating his farewell. Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

Echuca Regional Health staged a special afternoon tea on May 24 for director of medical services/chief medical officer Dr Glenn Howlett.

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Dr Howlett is retiring after 10 years in the role after arriving from Bendigo Health in May 2013.

Former ERH chief executive Michael Delahunty and past board members joined current board chair Larna Tarrant, current chief executive Robyn Lindsay and ERH staff at the afternoon tea.

Leadership: ERH chief executive Robyn Lindsay, Dr Glenn Howlett and former ERH chief executive Michael Delahunty. Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

“Dr Howlett has made a great contribution to the health service and leaves a lasting legacy,” Ms Lindsay said.

“Dr Howlett will remain at ERH in a part-time role, a senior medical advisor.”

Thank you: ERH board chairperson Larna Tarrant, Dr Glenn Howlett and ERH chief executive Robyn Lindsay. Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

The growth of ERH during Dr Howlett’s time in the role was highlighted by Ms Tarrant.

“When you started in 2013, the ERH budget was $48.3 million, we had 541 employees and serviced a combined catchment population of about 35,000 people,” Ms Tarrant said.

“Today the budget is $116.5 million, we have more than 1000 employees and the population is now about 47,000 people and growing by the minute.”

Congratulations: Michael Delahunty (former ERH chief executive), ERH board chairperson Larna Tarrant, Judy Cook (retired board chairperson), Dr Glenn Howlett, Kyabram District Health Service chief executive Anne McEvoy, Mary Boek (retired board chairperson), ERH board treasurer Scott Webb. Photo by Gregor Mactaggart

Key milestones included the official opening of stages one and two of the new Echuca Hospital, the installation of an MRI unit in 2016, the opening of a short stay unit and the Echuca Cancer and Wellness Centre.

Ms Tarrant said the centre was the brainchild of Dr Howlett, Mr Delahunty and former director of nursing June Dyson back in 2014.

Mr Delahunty touched on Dr Howlett’s love of the Carlton Football Club and said it was a delight, as a former Collingwood player, to be invited the week after the Magpies defeated the Blues.

“Glenn was an excellent appointment,” Mr Delahunty said.

“He was held in high regard in Bendigo and was our first full-time director of medical services.

"He has made an outstanding contribution.”