Senior nurse Michele de Wit has temporarily returned to a Mount Gambier-based position as the acting Limestone Coast Local Health Network Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery.


For several years, Ms De Wit has made the 100km round trip each week day to be the Millicent and District Hospital Executive Officer and Director of Nursing and Midwifery.


In the meantime, Sally Milsom has been seconded from the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN) in Adelaide to take on the Millicent role on a temporary basis.


Ms Milson has a wealth of nursing leadership experience and a recent secondment to the Eyre and Far North Local Health Network in an equivalent position at the Tumby Bay and Cummins sites.


She will remain in charge of the 150 staff at Millicent Hospital until Ms de Wit returns to the role. Her substantive position is Advanced Divisional Director-Paediatric Medicine at WCHN.


In announcing the appointment, LCLHN chief executive Emma Poland said Millicent Hospital was fortunate to have a nurse of Ms Milson’s calibre and experience.


In a statement to The SE Voice, Ms Milson said she felt privileged to have been offered this fantastic experience at the Limestone Coast Local Health Network.


“It has not only provided me with a great opportunity to share my knowledge and leadership, but to also learn from others,” Ms Milson said.


“Everyone has been extremely welcoming and kind.


“I’m impressed by the innovative and high-quality care the team at Millicent and District Hospital and Health Service deliver to our community.”


In the meantime, the LCLHN is looking to fill the regional executive director role on a permanent basis after the incumbent transferred to another senior role with SA Health.


It has been externally advertised and the closing date for applications was Monday.


It attracts an annual salary of almost $190,000 as well as a relocation allowance of up to $13,000.