ACH Group announces new Chair in aged care

Leading aged care provider ACH Group has announced the appointment of a new board Chair.

Imelda Lynch will take over from current Chair Mary Patetsos AM who steps down on Tuesday (October 31) after more than 15 years of service with ACH Group.

Ms Lynch is an experienced administrator with more than 30 years’ experience in leadership positions across the private, public, and community sectors. She has been a Non-Executive Director with ACH Group since 2021.

Ms Lynch said she looked forward to continuing to work closely with the Board and Executive in this new capacity during an exciting time for ACH Group and the Aged Care Sector.

“Through the recent launch of our $40 million ground-breaking Healthia development at Elizabeth South, ACH Group is demonstrating significant leadership in aged care and we will
continue to build on this,” she said.

Ms Lynch said Ms Patetsos’ long-standing dedication and passion had been integral to ACH Group and the aged care sector at large. Her outstanding contribution was recognised with an Order of Australia award earlier this year.

“Mary’s vision and strong focus on cross-sector partnerships and education has been at the heart of ACH Group’s evolution including the most recent development at Healthia as well as our ViTA Residential Care Home in Daw Park and Spence on Light – retirement living apartments in Adelaide’s CBD,” Ms Lynch said.

“On behalf of ACH Group, I take this opportunity to thank Mary for her outstanding service and wish her the very best for the future.”

Ms Patetsos congratulated Ms Lynch and wished her “every success”.

“Imelda is extremely well-placed to be Chair,” Ms Patetsos said. “Her extensive experience and influence, especially across the health industry, is extremely beneficial and highly valued. The ACH Group board is in good hands.”

Ms Patetsos said she was “incredibly privileged” to have played a part in helping create good lives for older people.

“I feel very proud to have served the ACH Group board, especially as Chair, and be part of such a dynamic team driving positive outcomes for older people and all those who care for them,” she said.

“Healthia, particularly, has re-imagined the future of aged care in South Australia and across the country. Being part of that journey and now, seeing the profound and positive impact it is creating for older people and the broader community, is truly special.”

In addition to her role with ACH Group, Ms Lynch, a Registered Nurse, serves on the board of Bellberry Limited, Macular Disease Foundation Australia, Australian Medical Research Advisory Board, and the Adelaide Football Club. She is also Chair of the Glenelg Golf Club and an independent clinical advisor to the Clinical Governance Committee to the Northern Adelaide Local Healthcare Network board.

Ms’ Lynch’s appointment is effective from Wednesday, November 1.