The chief executive of the Bay of Plenty District Health Board will resign from the post at the end of January 2016.

Phil Cammish been CEO since January 2006, and was formerly district manager of the Cairns Health District for Queensland Health. Before that, he spent nine years in executive roles at Waikato DHB and its predecessors.

Phil Cammish has announced his intention to resign in the New Year. Photo: File.

During his time in Tauranga Phil, lead the board through significant growth in both services and facilities, including the introduction of cardiac angioplasty and a world-class stroke service, as well as the rebuilding of Tauranga Hospital and the building of a new hospital at Whakatane.

The availability of comprehensive oncology services at both hospital sites, as well as radiotherapy services at Tauranga, were made possible by the use of innovative ways of engaging private enterprise in the provision of public health services.

In community and primary care the DHB has moved towards an integrated approach to the provision of care in the community.

Phil's approaches were key to the DHB being recognised by the NZ Business Excellence Foundation, while it is the first DHB in New Zealand to gain bronze status in the NZBEF quality programme.

'Phil has made a valuable contribution to both the BOPDHB and the community we serve in his role as chief executive,” says board chair Sally Webb.

'He should be proud of the progress this DHB has made under his leadership.

'I know he will be sincerely missed by the board and DHB staff. We all wish him every success for the future.”