Media Release 

After six years of dedicated service, Dr Rowena Coutts has chosen to step down from The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Board and her role as Chair.

Dr Coutts joined the RCH in 2019 as a member of the Board of Directors and helped steer the RCH through the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, she was appointed Board Chair and played an instrumental role in developing and delivering the hospital’s new three-year Strategic Plan (2024-2026).

As a highly regarded lawyer with extensive governance experience previously as Chair and Director of Ballarat Health Services, Chair of the Grampians Regional Board Network and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Ballarat/Federation University Australia, Dr Coutts has made an invaluable contribution to the RCH.

Dr Coutts said she was extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the RCH.

“Children’s health has a special place in everyone’s heart, but what makes the RCH so special is our staff and how absolutely committed everyone is to achieving the right outcomes for the children in our care.

“Our accomplishments as an organisation reflect the many people who share our vision of a ‘world where all kids thrive’. This includes our partners who strengthen different aspects of our work – and I’d like to thank the RCH Foundation, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, University of Melbourne and Good Friday Appeal for their ongoing support.

“In particular I’d like to thank my fellow Board Directors, and RCH Executive team for their dedication and continued collaboration as the hospital navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”

Interim CEO Professor Ed Oakley thanked Dr Coutts for the contribution she has made to the hospital.

“Dr Coutts has been instrumental in shaping the decisions that will position the RCH for further success in the coming years.

“We have all appreciated her thoughtful and considered stewardship of the hospital in recent years and her support of the RCH Executive team. We all wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”

Dr Coutts will continue in her role until 30 June 2025.

An announcement on the next RCH Board Chair will be finalised and shared in the coming months.