It’s time. After nine years as the CEO of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation and The Common Good, I’ve made the difficult decision to call it a day.
Holding this position has been the greatest privilege of my life.
It has been an honour to have had the opportunity to create change and help improve the quality of life for those suffering from chronic disease, as has supporting brilliant medical researchers to achieve success.
Furthermore, one of the most meaningful parts of my role has been having your trust and generosity to deliver achievements that will have a lasting impact. For 30 years, I have been involved with major charitable organisations– 30% of my career as CEO at this foundation.
I never could have imagined that as a student at school, where I was not that smart when it came to science and math, that I would one day be working arm in arm with scientists,doctors, nurses, and allied health staff. Then to meet the patients who have benefitted from our support – it is so inspiring and so gratifying.
It is time now for me to pass the baton on to someone who can continue this legacy – and to be given the opportunity to work with you. There is so much more to be done– and so much good that can be achieved. With your generosity, we have launched the revolutionary ICU of the Future, which we’ll have to refer to now as the ICU of Today – because it’s here and we know it will provide greater care.
In the past year, we have contributed to the new heart transplant technology to allow donor hearts to travel further for longer – meaning that more lives will be saved (already 36 people have been saved during the trial).
We’re about to launch the Tradie Health Institute to tackle occupational lung disease including silicosis. The scientists have already had a major breakthrough and are now developing treatments for silicosis, which are showing promise. And we have launched 243 research careers via New Investigator Grants – these are new people whose lives are dedicated to helping all of us live better for longer.”
“Please continue to be part of The Common Good. It was established to be the most effective health charity, to make the biggest impact with your donations and deliver real benefits for the patients of chronic disease. I know I will be a supporter for life! So, thank you again. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. I am so proud to have been the CEO – it has been the role of my life.
Michael Hornby OAM
