Somer Dawson

Somer Dawson is a health and human services specialist with more than 20 years of experience. Somer has reviewed, designed and delivered programs and services across the hospital, primary care, disability, health insurance and research sectors.

As a trusted advisor to senior executives in the government and nongovernment sectors, Somer is a people-focused leader who works collaboratively with teams, including management, frontline clinicians and consumers, to ensure programs are sustainable and impactful.

Somer specialises in the strategic review and evaluation of health programs and services, including health research, child development assessments, disability services and virtual health services. This has included detailed assessments of the current state, as well as the development of future-state models.

Somer also has significant experience in planning and delivering operational improvements in public and private hospitals, including improving patient flow, models of care, theatres and workforce management.

Relevant Experience:

• Led the review, design and mobilisation of complex reform programs for the Western Australia Department of Health and for private hospital groups
• Performed detailed service reviews and design of future-state models across a broad range of service areas, including child development assessments, disability services, health navigation and virtual health services
• Led operational performance improvement within public and private hospitals in Western Australia and nationally, including patient flow, theatres, workforce, organisational structure and financial performance
• Provided operational leadership and delivery support for high-risk projects, including the COVID-19 health response, accreditation preparedness and hospital commissioning
• Performed strategy development and program evaluations, including significant consultation for the development of a statewide service plan and multiple evaluations in the health research and innovation sector