Murrumbidgee Local Health District Board Chair Adrian Lindner (right) and cardiologist Professor Gerard Carroll (left) welcome the announcement of Emma Field as Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s new chief executive. Photo: MLHD.
Independent Wagga MP Joe McGirr has welcomed the appointment of Emma Field as the new chief executive of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, replacing long-serving health boss Jill Ludford.
Ms Field steps into one of the region’s most scrutinised public sector leadership roles at a time when the future structure of the MLHD remains under debate amid calls to split the district as Griffith, Leeton and Deniliquin hospitals face continued staff shortages.
Dr McGirr, a surgeon who used to work within the MLHD, praised Ms Field’s appointment.
“Ms Field is a highly qualified, deeply committed and very experienced health leader and I know her expertise will be of enormous value to the delivery of care and services across the MLHD network,” Dr McGirr said.
Ms Field will now lead more than 5000 staff members and oversee two base hospitals, eight district hospitals, two community hospitals, 19 multipurpose services, one dedicated mental health inpatient facility, 12 community health centres, two Mercy Care public hospitals, one brain injury rehabilitation service, and a range of community-based services.
She is no stranger to the district, having most recently served as MLHD’s Executive Director of Service Delivery, overseeing major programs including chronic care, child and family health, Aboriginal health, oral health, population health and integrated care strategies.
A former nurse and senior health administrator, she has been part of the MLHD executive team and has played a key role in statewide and regional health initiatives, according to MLHD.
Dr McGirr said he looked forward to continuing his professional association with Ms Field.
“I have previously worked with Ms Field in support of better health outcomes in our region and I look forward to continuing that work as I advocate for improved healthcare services, not only to our region but to all regional and rural communities, as outlined in my Rural Health Action Plan,” he said.
Ms Field replaces Jill Ludford, who retired earlier this year after more than three decades with NSW Health, including 11 years leading the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. During that period, Ms Ludford oversaw major workforce and service reforms and was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2024 for her contribution to healthcare.
Following Ms Ludford’s departure, Executive Director of Operations Carla Bailey served as interim chief executive while recruitment for the permanent role took place.
Dr McGirr acknowledged both women for their leadership.
“I would also like to acknowledge interim chief executive Carla Bailey and former chief executive Jill Ludford for their leadership in this critical role,” he said.
The appointment comes as the MLHD continues to face intense scrutiny over hospital staffing, service access and governance, with a parliamentary inquiry examining whether the sprawling district should be divided into separate health districts. Communities including Griffith and Deniliquin have argued the current system leaves parts of the region underserved, while MLHD and some health organisations warn a split could increase bureaucracy and disrupt services.
