The secretary of NSW Health has resigned after helping to shape the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is due to join Telstra Health.
Elizabeth Koff has spent more than 30 years at the department, which she led for the past six years, but will leave the post in early March.
NSW health minister Brad Hazzard said Koff had made an “enormous contribution” while leading the 170,000 public servants in the state’s health response.
“She has led and supported the most outstanding executive health team and broader health teams at times of great pressure,” Hazzard said in a statement.
“Ms Koff has worked closely during the pandemic with a range of senior Government ministers and other senior public servants and her contribution has been extremely highly valued.”
Telstra Health announced on Monday morning she would join the organisation as managing director.
Telstra chief Andrew Penn said Koff was an outstanding health executive.
“Elizabeth possesses a deep understanding of the nation’s health system and the need for it to be further digitised and integrated,” Penn said.
During the pandemic at NSW Health Koff helped shape work on testing clinics, vaccination clinics, hospital operations and the development of guidance and support from experts.
Koff also oversaw an expansion of the state’s clinical services, increased workforce, and renewal works of health infrastructure. She also focused on improving patient experience and the digitisation of healthcare delivery.
Koff will finish in her government role on March 4 to join Telstra Health on April 19.
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