BREAKING: Qld CHO Dr Jeanette Young’s replacement steps down

News has just broken that Dr Krispin Hajkowicz will not take on the position of Chief Health Officer (CHO) in Queensland when it is vacated by Dr Jeanette Young in November.

This last-minute change was announced via a media release put out by Health Minister Yvette D’Ath on the afternoon of October 28, 2021.

The statement was quite brief, only saying that Dr Hajkowicz would not be assuming the role, due to personal reasons.

The statement also announced that while appointing a new CHO, the Deputy CHO Dr Peter Aitken would act as CHO.

D’Ath has said that she respects Dr Hajkowicz’ decision and his request for privacy.

This announcement comes just days before Dr Hajkowicz was due to assume the role, replacing current Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young.

Due to personal reasons, Dr Krispin Hajkowicz will no longer be taking up the position of Queensland Chief Health Officer.

From 1 Nov, Deputy CHO Dr Peter Aitken will act in the role until a permanent replacement is appointed.

— Queensland Health (@qldhealthnews) October 28, 2021

Dr Young vacates the role to take on the position of Governor of Queensland. This announcement was made by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk during a conference on October 4, 2021.

At the conference, Dr Hajkowicz was given incredible praise, with Dr Young saying “I’ve been going to him for the last two years for advice. He has been the lead in the treatment and management of COVID cases.”

It was said at the time that Dr Hajkowicz was immensely qualified for the role, having worked through four different pandemics. Dr Hajkowicz was “the perfect person to take over”, according to Dr Young.

Woah. Palaszczuk govt’s replacement for Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young, Dr Krispin Hajkowicz, has pulled out of the gig only days before starting the role. Cites “personal reasons”. (Dr Young is Qld’s next Governor). #auspol #qldpol

— Mark Ludlow (@M_Ludlow) October 28, 2021

#BREAKING Dr Krispin Hajkowicz will no longer be taking up the position of CHO.

— Zilla Gordon (@ZillaGordon) October 28, 2021

More to come as the story develops.