New NPS MedicineWise CEO announced

NPS MedicineWise is very pleased to announce that Katherine Burchfield has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of NPS MedicineWise, commencing on the 18^th October 2021.

Katherine is currently the Executive Director of Strategy, Services and Innovation, at Royal Far West (RFW). Over the past 6 years, she has led significant growth and innovation across RFW’s multi-disciplinary health and disability services, including establishing Australia’s largest paediatric allied health telecare program. Prior to joining RFW, Katherine was Director of the Integrated Care Branch at the NSW Ministry of Health, leading a large policy portfolio including integrated care reforms, aged care, primary and community care, palliative care, and disability. She also led the national health policy and research program for the Audit Commission in England; and has consulted on multiple international health reform projects.

Dr Andrew Knight, Chair of NPS MedicineWise, said Ms Burchfield is extremely well placed to lead the organisation as it continues to support the quality use of medicines under a refreshed National Medicines Policy.

“NPS MedicineWise has a critical role to play as steward of the quality use of medicines, bringing together healthcare consumers and stakeholders across the sector to make a meaningful difference in an increasingly dynamic healthcare landscape.

“Katherine has a strong track record in leading complex portfolios and multi-disciplinary teams. She enjoys bringing consumer and clinical perspectives together with evidence and commercial acumen, and creating positive work cultures that engage staff and deliver results. She is passionate about improving health systems and addressing health inequalities – and has a particular interest in the effective use of information and incentives to support better decisions across the health sector.”