A south west community health director is one of ten outstanding young Queenslanders named in the third annual AIM30.
The prestigious AIM30 is made up of 30 outstanding managers under 30 years of age who have excelled in their chosen careers and already left their unique mark on the management profession.
Making this year’s list was Josh Freeman, South West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Executive Director of Community and Allied Health.
Congratulating the winners, Australian Institute of Management Young Manager Advisory Board chair Rob Soros said the breadth and depth of achievement on this year’s list was extraordinary.
“This is a group of young managers and leaders who display character and maturity beyond their years,” Mr Soros said.
Based in Roma, for the last year and a half Josh Freeman has managed a team of 160 people across a landscape 1.2 times the size of Victoria.
“Ensuring that the South West HHS provides sustainable healthcare across a vast geographical region is a big challenge,” Mr Freeman said.
“I am privileged to lead a team of highly dedicated and skilled staff that are committed to patient centred care and achieving positive health outcomes.”
Mr Freeman was recognised for his leadership style which creates a team culture based on empowerment, collaboration and honesty.
He was honoured and humbled to be acknowledged for his commitment to improving the delivery of allied health services in the community.
“I don’t have all the answers and that enables my team to work with me to create collaborative solutions which deliver better results,” he said.
Mr Freeman focuses on maintaining a positive team atmosphere where everyone has the ability to contribute.
“It’s always rewarding when you get to work with people that genuinely care about improving health outcomes,” Mr Freeman said.
“We are always working on better solutions for everything from more efficient travel logistics, to advanced clinical responses to chronic disease.
“One of the initiatives we’re implementing is the expanded use of telehealth services to ensure patients have quick access to health care.”
Mr Freeman said the next chapter for community and allied health is the development of a fully integrated health service which connects community, acute, general practice, non-government organisations and Aboriginal Health Service care to allow a seamless patient journey.
South West HHS Chief Executive Glynis Schultz said the recognition Mr Freeman has received is well deserved.
“Josh Freeman is making a difference in our community as he encourages his team to constantly challenge themselves to improve outcomes for our regional patients,” she said.
