Digital health agency appoints tech officer

The Australian Digital Health Agency has appointed experienced public and private health executive Dr Malcolm Thatcher as chief technology officer.

Dr Thatcher’s previous roles include of chief health information officer at Queensland Health, chief information officer at Mater Healthcare Group in Brisbane, and interim CIO and chief executive at  eHealth Queensland.

He has a PhD in information technology governance controls in acute healthcare from QUT, where he has held several roles including Professor of digital practice most recently.

ADHA CEO Amanda Cattermole said Dr Thatcher brings deep technical skills, a long history in a range of public and private health environments and a passion for leadership to help take the agency forward at this exciting time in digital health.

“I look forward to his contribution to the National Digital Health Strategy and a better connected healthcare system that enables healthcare providers to access and share important patient information such as pathology and diagnostic imaging results, current and past prescriptions and medical history,” she said.

Dr Thatcher’s skills and experience will also support the role of digital health in Australia’s ongoing response to COVID-19, Ms Cattermole said.

Dr Thatcher said digital health was crucial to addressing current challenges.

“I am joining the agency at a time when digital health has proven how integral it is to meeting the nation’s healthcare challenges and supporting improved healthcare outcomes,” Dr Thatcher said.

“What really impresses me is the agency’s core focus on building the digital skills of healthcare providers and consumers so they can maximise the benefits of technology,” he said.

Dr Thatcher starts work at the ADHA on 8 February.

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