In 2016 the $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre opened in Melbourne. Plenary Heath contracted Cathy Sommerville as an independent consultant, to undertake research to help inform their winning bid. Cathy has conducted an extensive series of research supporting successful Public Private Partnership bids in Victoria.

In Cathy’s capacity as Director Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations at Western Health, she led the development of an innovative campaign based on storytelling and highlighting work done by Western Health clinicians to assist patients experiencing severe social and economic disadvantage. The project led to a program of financial grants for hundreds of patients and contributed to the funding of research into chronic disease.

Over a number of years, Western Health worked closely with the Victorian Government to make a clear case for the New Footscray Hospital. As Public Affairs Director at that time, Cathy supported Government relations activities.

Image credit: Victorian Health Building Authority