Hospital refurbishment and expansion projects, leading teams through the COVID health crisis and planning for a much needed new hospital have been part of a 13-year tenure that was celebrated when West Gippsland Healthcare Group chief executive officer Dan Weeks retired last week.

While remaining in the position in an interim role until a replacement is appointed, a farewell function on Wednesday night celebrated Mr Weeks' term with WGHG, that began in November 2011.
Mr Weeks' career in health began in nursing and critical care nursing at The Alfred before he moved into nurse management and then studied accounting which led to chief executive roles at Numurkah and Benalla hospitals.
Board chair JoAnne Moorfoot said Mr Weeks had led the organisation through the emergency department extension, construction of new consulting rooms and education facilities and later, construction of new accommodation for visiting clinicians.
He also oversaw the building of a new short-stay unit complex and a third operating theatre.
"The largest and most pressing infrastructure project though has been the new hospital, a campaign Dan picked up and drove upon his appointment.
"The board is most grateful for Dan's professionalism and diplomacy throughout the lobbying and negotiation process," she said.
Ms Moorfoot said Mr Weeks had also shown great leadership through the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and its continuing pressures on the organisation.
When Mr Weeks began in 2011, the WGHG had a gross revenue of $80 million, health service activity of 6500 and 650 full time equivalent staff. Ms Moorfoot said revenue had more than doubled to $170 million, health activity tripled to more than 19,500 and staff increased to more than 900 full time equivalent.
Mr Weeks said his retirement ended a 44 year career in health that began at Western General Hospital.
"Working here has been the highlight of my career and it's been the longest position I've held - that speaks volumes of the organisation and this community. People come here and stay here.
"What makes this place special is its people. The connection between the community and the health service is still what you expect in a small community...people still queue up to volunteer and fundraise for the hospital.
And, Mr Weeks said, "the staff are even better."
"You only have to look at what happens when there is a crisis. The staff just get in and get the job done. The culture and the teamwork here is extraordinary," he said.
Mr Weeks said if there was anything he could change, it would be to be a marginal seat - referring to the many frustrations and setbacks encountered in the fight for a new hospital.
He said he was "super proud" of the Where's The Funding campaign driven by Rob Sinnett, Ormond Pearson and Kerry Elliott.
"The red WTF t-shirts left the government with no doubt what the community wanted.
"Forever the optimist, I still believe we have a very good chance of the business case being before government this year," he said.
Mr Weeks said he had been fortunate to have some very inspiring mentors throughout his career and always had the attitude to never stop learning.
The board is currently in the process of recruiting a new ceo and following interviews will submit a recommendation to the Department of Health.
Mr Weeks will remain as interim ceo until his replacement is appointed and available to take up the position.