The Royal Melbourne Hospital Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Royal Melbourne Hospital has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, clinical access, medical standards, legal governance, and nursing excellence.

Committed to delivering world-class patient care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital advances medical research and clinical innovation to improve health outcomes across the Victorian community and beyond.

Leadership Roles at The Royal Melbourne Hospital

  • Chief Executive Officer - Christine Kilpatrick
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jackie McLeod
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer & General Manager, Access, Critical Care & Investigative Services - Edward Savill
  • Chief Medical Officer - Fergus Kerr
  • Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary - Fleur Katsmartin
  • Chief Nursing Officer & Executive Director - Kethly Fallon
  • Christine Kilpatrick - Chief Executive Officer

    Christine Kilpatrick, the Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, directs the overarching strategic vision and clinical governance for this historic public institution. Kilpatrick manages complex stakeholder relationships while ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services across the Parkville campus and broader regional networks. By aligning institutional resources with long-term medical objectives, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of continuous improvement and research-led care. Christine Kilpatrick maintains rigorous oversight of financial sustainability and operational efficiency, ensuring the hospital meets the evolving needs of the Victorian population. Through collaboration with the Board and clinical leadership, the Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that enhance patient safety and service accessibility. This leadership role requires balancing immediate operational demands with the pursuit of excellence in public health, ultimately positioning the organization as a leader in the Australian medical landscape.

    Jackie McLeod - Chief Operating Officer

    Jackie McLeod, the Chief Operating Officer at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, manages the daily operational infrastructure and logistical frameworks necessary for high-volume clinical environments. McLeod optimizes resource allocation across departments to ensure seamless patient flow and facility performance. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief Operating Officer supports the clinical staff in delivering efficient care within the Parkville facility. Jackie McLeod coordinates cross-functional teams to address capacity challenges and infrastructure upgrades, maintaining the operational integrity of the hospital. This role involves constant monitoring of performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement and cost-effective service delivery. Through strategic planning and execution, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the hospital maintains its status as a premier public health provider. McLeod drives operational excellence by integrating modern management practices with the specific requirements of a large-scale, public-facing medical institution.

    Edward Savill - Deputy Chief Operating Officer & General Manager, Access, Critical Care & Investigative Services

    Edward Savill, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer & General Manager, Access, Critical Care & Investigative Services at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, oversees the critical pathways for patient intake and specialized diagnostic services. Savill manages the complex logistics of critical care units and investigative departments, ensuring rapid response times and high-quality diagnostic accuracy. By coordinating these essential services, the General Manager facilitates efficient patient transitions through the hospital system. Edward Savill aligns departmental goals with the broader operational strategy to minimize wait times and maximize clinical throughput. This leadership role involves managing high-stakes environments where precision and speed directly impact patient outcomes. Through rigorous oversight of investigative services, Savill ensures that clinical teams possess the necessary data to make informed treatment decisions. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer & General Manager, Access, Critical Care & Investigative Services maintains a focus on scalable solutions that support the hospital's mission of providing accessible, life-saving care.

    Fergus Kerr - Chief Medical Officer

    Fergus Kerr, the Chief Medical Officer at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, directs the clinical standards and medical practice policies that define the hospital's patient care quality. Kerr oversees the professional conduct and development of the medical staff, ensuring adherence to evidence-based medicine and safety protocols. By fostering a collaborative environment between clinicians and administrative leadership, the Chief Medical Officer drives excellence in medical outcomes. Fergus Kerr manages the integration of new research findings into daily clinical practice, keeping the hospital at the forefront of medical innovation. This role involves addressing complex clinical challenges and maintaining high standards of professional accountability across all medical departments. Through strategic oversight of medical staff performance, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the organization meets the highest benchmarks of public health care. Kerr supports the hospital's commitment to clinical excellence by championing initiatives that improve patient safety and medical efficacy.
    Fleur Katsmartin, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, manages the legal framework and corporate governance structures that protect the institution's interests. Katsmartin provides counsel on regulatory compliance, risk management, and contractual obligations essential for public hospital operations. By overseeing the corporate secretariat, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary ensures transparency and adherence to statutory requirements in all board and executive activities. Fleur Katsmartin navigates the complex legal landscape of the Australian healthcare sector, mitigating risks while supporting the hospital's strategic objectives. This role involves drafting policies that safeguard the organization against liability and ensuring that all clinical and administrative actions align with legal standards. Through proactive legal strategy, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary maintains the integrity of the hospital's governance. Katsmartin facilitates effective communication between the Board and executive leadership, ensuring that all decisions remain grounded in sound legal and ethical principles.

    Kethly Fallon - Chief Nursing Officer & Executive Director

    Kethly Fallon, the Chief Nursing Officer & Executive Director at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, directs the nursing workforce and clinical practice standards across the entire organization. Fallon oversees the recruitment, training, and professional development of nursing staff to ensure the highest levels of patient care. By implementing evidence-based nursing protocols, the Chief Nursing Officer & Executive Director enhances the quality of care delivered at the bedside. Kethly Fallon collaborates with other executive leaders to align nursing operations with the hospital's broader strategic goals and patient safety initiatives. This role involves managing the complexities of a large-scale nursing department, including staffing optimization and the promotion of a supportive work environment. Through leadership in clinical practice, the Chief Nursing Officer & Executive Director drives improvements in patient experience and health outcomes. Fallon maintains a focus on nursing excellence, ensuring that the hospital remains a leader in compassionate and effective patient-centered care.
    Kethly Fallon

    Explore Leadership Teams in Hospitals & Physicians Clinics

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Royal Melbourne Hospital Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Royal Melbourne Hospital?
    The Royal Melbourne Hospital is led by Christine Kilpatrick (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jackie McLeod (Chief Operating Officer) and Edward Savill (Deputy Chief Operating Officer & General Manager, Access, Critical Care & Investigative Services).
    Who is part of The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Royal Melbourne Hospital includes leaders such as Christine Kilpatrick (Chief Executive Officer), Jackie McLeod (Chief Operating Officer), Edward Savill (Deputy Chief Operating Officer & General Manager, Access, Critical Care & Investigative Services) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Royal Melbourne Hospital have?
    The Royal Melbourne Hospital has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Royal Melbourne Hospital includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer & General Manager, Access, Critical Care & Investigative Services, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary.