by Barry de Silva
When new St Vincent’s Lismore CEO Peter Fahey first walked through the doors of the hospital, he immediately sensed what makes it special. A commitment to Mission, a caring culture, and a connection to the local community.
With a wealth of healthcare leadership experience across Australia and around the world, Peter brings a leadership style that has patient care and staff wellbeing at its heart. His journey from nurse to CEO reflects a respect for people and a belief that leadership begins with service. We caught up with Peter to find out what excites him about the hospital, and his message for staff and the community.
What attracted you to St Vincent’s Lismore, and what excites you most about joining this community?
I was drawn to St Vincent’s because of its strong reputation for compassionate, values-based care and its identity as one of the last independent, faith-based private hospitals in Australia. The connection to the diocese and the Northern Rivers community is something special. What excites me most is the opportunity to work with such a dedicated team to strengthen services and ensure St Vincent’s continues to play a vital role in local healthcare for generations to come.
How has your experience as a nurse shaped the way you lead today?
Starting my career as a nurse gave me a deep respect for the people on the frontline — the ones providing care and comfort every day. It taught me that leadership isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about listening, supporting, and creating an environment where people can do their best work. My nursing background helps me make decisions where patient care and staff wellbeing are at the forefront.
You’ve worked in a variety of healthcare settings. What have you learned from those environments that you hope to bring to St Vincent’s?
Across Australia and overseas, I’ve learned that success comes from teamwork, respect, and clear purpose. At St Vincent’s, I want to build collaboration across departments, foster innovation, and make sure our staff feel valued. When people feel proud of where they work, great care naturally follows.
How important is it for you to stay connected to staff, from nurses to volunteers, to understand the hospital’s daily life?
It’s essential. The best leaders are visible and approachable. I like to spend time in the wards and with teams across the hospital — not just to check in, but to listen. Every role, from nurses and doctors to cleaners and volunteers, contributes to the heart of St Vincent’s, and staying connected helps us make better decisions together.
St Vincent’s has a proud tradition of compassionate, person-centred care. How do you see your role continuing that culture?
Compassionate, person-centred care is who we are. My role is to protect that culture while equipping our teams to thrive in a modern healthcare environment. That means investing in people, technology, and facilities, while ensuring our mission and values guide every decision. We care for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.
St Vincent’s was founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1920. How do the hospital’s Catholic values align with your own?
The values of compassion, integrity, justice, and excellence deeply align with my own. I’ve always believed healthcare is a vocation — a calling to serve others. The Sisters of Charity built this hospital on a legacy of service to the vulnerable, and I see it as both an honour and a responsibility to continue that tradition. Leading with faith-based values ensures that we make decisions guided by purpose, not just policy.
What opportunities do you see for the hospital to continue supporting the Northern Rivers community?
Our role goes beyond hospital walls. There’s a real opportunity to strengthen partnerships with local GPs, community organisations, and aged care providers so people can access coordinated, high-quality care close to home. We also want to continue supporting the community through education, outreach, and by being a trusted local employer that contributes to the wellbeing and growth of the region.
How do you see St Vincent’s adapting to meet future challenges while keeping patient care at its heart?
Healthcare is evolving faster than ever, but our mission remains constant — to deliver excellent, compassionate care. For St Vincent’s, that means embracing innovation, strengthening workforce sustainability, and ensuring our facilities are fit for the future, all the while keeping our focus on each individual patient.
What message would you like to share with the community, staff, and partners as you begin this new chapter?
I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome I’ve received. St Vincent’s has a proud history and a bright future. To our staff, thank you for the incredible work you do every day. To our community and partners, thank you for your trust and support. Together, we’ll ensure St Vincent’s remains a place of hope, healing, and compassion for all who come through our doors.
