Our websites
Meet our leaders
The Wesley Hospital executive team has a vast wealth of experience in healthcare services. Meet the people who lead our hospital.
Jason Burton
General Manager
Commencing his journey at The Wesley Hospital in October 2023, Jason brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the dynamic realm of the healthcare industry. His professional trajectory has been marked by a series of impactful roles that have shaped his expertise and commitment to healthcare excellence.
For the past 6 and a half years, Jason served as the Director of Nursing at Brisbane Private Hospital, where he played a pivotal role in steering the institution towards delivering outstanding patient care and ensuring high-quality outcomes. This tenure followed previous Director of Nursing positions at St Andrews Ipswich and Gold Coast, showcasing a consistent dedication to leadership in healthcare settings.
Beyond the borders of Australia, Jason undertook the responsibility of General Manager for Ramsay UK in York, broadening his perspective and contributing to healthcare management on an international scale. His roots in nursing have been a driving force throughout his career, with significant contributions in senior nursing leadership roles at Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane Private Hospital, St Andrews Ipswich, and Gold Coast Surgical Hospital.
Jason’s unwavering commitment to safety has been a cornerstone of his approach, ensuring that healthcare institutions under his guidance prioritise the well-being of both patients and staff. Outside the professional sphere, he finds solace in the great outdoors and enjoy camping with family and friends during his downtime.
Phone: 07 3232 7271 | wesley-executivedepartment@uchealth.com.au
Emma Gerrard
Director of Clinical Services
Emma Gerrard was appointed Director of Clinical Services at The Wesley Hospital in October 2024 and brings a wealth of clinical and health leadership experience to the role. Emma has been part of the UnitingCare hospitals group since May 2024, where she was previously Operational Performance Senior Manager.
Over the past 12 years, Emma has held several key leadership positions at Healthscope, including Acting General Manager and Director of Nursing, and her experience extends to include a number of health projects, such as construction of Gold Coast Private Hospital, and commissioning and operational readiness for a day surgery centre at Knox Private.
Emma has a strong passion for patient-centred outcomes and her commitment to Clinical Governance and delivering the highest quality care for patients, Visiting Medical Practitioners and staff is reflected in her professional leadership, career accomplishments and expertise in supportive clinical care. She holds a Bachelor of Paediatric Nursing (Honours) from Oxford Brookes University in the UK and Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership (Health and Human Services) from The University of Tasmania.
Phone: 07 3232 7293 | wesley-executivedepartment@uchealth.com.au
Leanne Duncan
Manager of Mission and Pastoral Care Services
Pastor Leanne Duncan is the hospital’s Pastoral Care Manager and a member of The Wesley Hospital Executive Leadership team. Leanne leads a team of Chaplains who provide holistic, person-centred, spiritual and pastoral care for our patients, their loved ones, and our staff. Leanne also serves as a member of the UnitingCare Health Human Research Ethics Committee.
Leanne has extensive experience over three decades, providing leadership in a vast variety of Church Congregation, Mission and Pastoral Care contexts, with a strong focus on others and community engagement. Her experience spans country, regional, city and international opportunities with a proven capacity to empower teams, embracing strategic and adaptive change. In her time at the Wesley, Leanne has implemented our End of Life and Vulnerable In-Patient Compassionate Companions support service, co-ordinating a highly valued volunteer team who provide social engagement as a key contribution to patient wellbeing and quality holistic care.
Leanne’s career began in banking, then with her husband, she embraced the challenges and adventures of owner-building their second home, establishing their manufacturing jeweller business and welcoming their daughter into the family. Leanne makes time for reflection with a coffee in her happy place, enjoying the outdoors and escaping into the world of historical novels.
Phone: 07 3232 7204 | twh.chaplain@uchealth.com.au
Emma Donkin
Director of Corporate Services
Emma Donkin joined the Wesley Hospital in 2024 as Director of Corporate Services. With a wealth of experience amassed from her notable tenure in private hospitals, Emma brings a proven track record of leadership and strategic insight to our organisation.
Previously, Emma served as the Director of Finance and Hospital Support Services at St Andrews in Ipswich, where she played a pivotal role in spearheading significant expansion projects including the opening of a new Cancer Centre, the addition of two operating theatres, the incorporation of 39 beds and the enhancement of day rehabilitation services.
A distinguished Chartered Accountant, Emma's expertise extends beyond finance, with qualifications in Medical Chemistry and Mental Health. Throughout her career, she has held influential roles in Financial Management within global institutions, demonstrating a deep understanding of the intersection between finance and healthcare.
Emma's commitment to the healthcare sector and her passion for making a positive impact in the lives of individuals align seamlessly with our organisational values. Her strategic acumen and leadership skills are poised to contribute immensely to the continued success and growth of our corporate services.
Phone: 07 3232 7926 | wesley-executivedepartment@uchealth.com.au
Catriona Smith
Director of Operations
Catriona Smith joined The Wesley Hospital in December 2023 as Assistant Director of Nursing – Critical Care and Medical Services, before being appointed Director of Operations in October 2024. Catriona is a highly skilled registered nurse and has more than 20 years’ experience in healthcare management.
Prior to joining The Wesley, Catriona was Assistant Director of Clinical Services at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Northside, and Nurse Unit Manager at Mater Group in Brisbane. She has extensive experience in supporting frontline times to deliver both clinical and operational excellence and is deeply passionate about quality improvements which support sustainable and safe clinical services.
Catriona’s experience extends to leading upgrades of digital health systems and workforce projects, as well as leading the development and opening of the Mater Young Adult Health Centre, a specialised and innovative inpatient unit providing care for adolescents and young adults. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing and Certificate in Paediatric Health.
Phone: 07 3232 7271 | wesley-executivedepartment@uchealth.com.au