Michael’s Letter
The Common Good

Michael’s Letter

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

Published: January 23, 2023

Related news & events

Mother-of-four shares story of transplant journey

Patient Stories

Mother-of-four shares story of transplant journey

A Queensland mother who was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and later received a lung transplant, shares her story here.

Find out more

The journey from the Cycle of Giving to the Tour de Brisbane

The Common Good

The journey from the Cycle of Giving to the Tour de Brisbane

In 2006, Mary and Mal Long started an event called Cycle of Giving to show their gratitude to Mal’s donor family and medical team.

Find out more

Chain Reaction Challenge 2024: Helping Kids visiting The Prince Charles Hospital

The Common Good

Chain Reaction Challenge 2024: Helping Kids visiting The Prince Charles Hospital

In March, dozens of cyclists from Brisbane will take part in a 1000 km cycle in and around Adelaide for the Chain Reaction Challenge 2024.

Find out more

30-year-old heart transplant recipient’s journey to the 2024 Tour de Brisbane

Heart Disease

30-year-old heart transplant recipient’s journey to the 2024 Tour de Brisbane

A Perth father who received a heart transplant three years ago is preparing to take part in the 2024 Tour de Brisbane. Read more about his journey and support his ride here.

Find out more

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024

The Common Good

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024

This February, we acknowledge International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024 and some of the remarkable women who are making a difference in STEM.

Find out more

Marfan and Aortopathy Conference Brisbane 2024

The Common Good

Marfan and Aortopathy Conference Brisbane 2024

The Marfan and Aortopathy Conference Brisbane 2024 is on Saturday, April 20, at The Prince Charles Hospital. Click here for more details.

Find out more

What is Marfan Syndrome?

The Common Good

What is Marfan Syndrome?

What is Marfan Syndrome? It affects about 1 in 5000 people across the globe, and for some, it can lead to serious or even life-threatening complications. Learn more here.

Find out more

The Café for The Common Good finds new home at Caboolture Hospital

Social Enterprise

The Café for The Common Good finds new home at Caboolture Hospital

Caboolture Hospital Café: In exciting news, our café has a new home in the hospital’s recently opened Clinical Services Building.

Find out more

Take a walk down Memory Lane at The Prince Charles Hospital

Ageing

Take a walk down Memory Lane at The Prince Charles Hospital

At The Prince Charles Hospital, patients and their families are encouraged to take a trip down the newly completed ‘Memory Lane’. Read about the impactful project here.

Find out more