Chief Operations Officer
Stephen Johnston has held senior management positions in various Australian Healthcare organisations over the past 20 years. Prior to joining Evolution Healthcare as Chief Operating Officer in September 2019, Stephen was a Director at Sydney Adventist Hospital, this position saw him lead a multidisciplinary team in building and developing the supporting staff and infrastructure of one of Australia’s largest Private Hospitals.
During Stephen’s five years with Evolution Healthcare, Stephen has transitioned from the General Manager/DON of Waratah Private Hospital in NSW. Under his direction he commissioned the Rehabilitation Centre at Waratah Hospital including a modern gym and hydrotherapy pool with growth in both inpatient and day rehabilitation services developing the Hospital into its future as the centre for rehabilitation excellence in South/West Sydney.
Director
Over the past fifteen years, Ben Thynne has gained significant experience in acquiring, redeveloping and managing private hospitals with a focus of delivering excellence in healthcare. Prior to founding Evolution in 2011, Ben was the Founder and Managing Director of Healthe Care Australia. Under Ben’s management, Healthe Care became Australia’s largest privately-owned network of private hospitals. For several years Ben was a director of the Australian Private Hospitals Association. Ben’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Law and a Graduate Diploma in Finance and Investment. He has been admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Medical Director / Director
With over 35 years as a specialist Anaesthetist, Richard Grenfell founded Boulcott Hospital in Wellington, serving as founding Chairman and CEO. He has been intimately involved in the operational management whilst elevating the medical and surgical capability of the hospital since its inception. Richard stepped down from his role as Chairman in 2005 and as Managing Director in June 2015. He was a Director of Wakefield Hospital from 1989 to 1997 and is currently the Medical Director and a Director of Evolution Healthcare.
Chief Financial Officer
Matthew Clarke brings extensive experience providing strategic financial leadership across a portfolio of businesses with over 20 years of experience in finance and commercial management roles across the services and resources sectors. Returning to New Zealand in 2019 after 15 years spent mostly in the UK and Australia, Matthew has previously held senior finance positions with global quality assurance provider Intertek Group, including Group Treasurer in London and most recently Regional CFO based in Sydney.
General Manager
Relocating from Te Whanganui-a-Tara and her role as Nursing Director at Te Whatu Ora Capital and Coast and Hutt Valley, Christine is highly respected healthcare professional and nurse who is passionate about making a difference to healthcare. Her vast experience in senior management roles, health management experience, and long-standing leadership roles will support Birthcare’s kaimahi in the continued provision of excellence in maternity care.
In her role as Nursing Director, Christine was a member of the Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Team (NAML) and sat on multiple steering and governance groups across the directorates she represented.
Clinical Midwife Manager – Auckland
Angela has extensive knowledge in midwifery with over 35 years of practice with her 12 years of experience at National Women’s Hospital which saw her grow through a variety of roles.
Angela has worked at Birthcare for 19 years as a midwife, and as the Clinical Midwife Manager for four of these years. As Clinical Midwife Manager Angela ensures the people at Birthcare are provided with exceptional care and compassion tailored to their needs.
Clinical Midwife Manager – Huntly
Melissa is an experienced profession who brings extensive knowledge and support to Birthcare with her roles as Clinical Manager – Huntly, and Maori Advisor and Cultural Safety Educator. She is on the Maternity Quality Safety Programme Governance Board where her work focuses on the continuing to further overall health outcomes and incorporating the framework of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Melissa has an extensive background in her midwifery field. She has been a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) for 18 years and is an experienced mentor for rural midwives and MFYP programme, supporting midwives in their learning and development across the greater Waikato region.
Melissa has a strong interest in researching traditional Maori birthing practices and has a focus on bringing these practices into maternity units across New Zealand.
Tainui Te waka Karioi Te Maunga Whaingaroa Te Moana Tainui Te iwi Ngati Whakmarurangi Ngati Mahanga, Hauora Te hapu Robert Takotokotahi Paekau Te Koro Betty Tetana Tehira Te Kuia Ko Melissa Paekau Toko Ingoa No Reia Tena Kotou, Tena Kotou, Tena Katou, Katora
Alongside our Directors and Senior Management, we have our incredible staff and LMCs working with us at Birthcare. Birthcare is part of Evolution Healthcare.