Mr Stone said Dr Woods’ appointment followed an extensive internal and external process and demonstrated the importance clinical leadership as part of Bupa’s strategy to be the most customer-centred healthcare company.

“We’re thrilled to have someone of Nic’s calibre and experience join Bupa at such a transformational time for the health sector, bringing both deep clinical expertise and business leadership to our Executive Team,” Mr Stone said.

Nic joins Bupa from Calvary Care most recently as National Director of Digital Health & Technology (Chief Digital Officer) where he led the technology team across all Calvary Care services, and he was part of the Executive Leadership Team.  Following more than 20 years in clinical medicine and digital health, Nic continues to champion digital health to improve access, affordability, and better patient outcomes.

“Nic is a known and dedicated leader in the clinical community. He’s passionate about improving community health and clinical outcomes and embracing new technologies and medical advancements to meet the future needs of patients.

“As CHO, Nic will be responsible for clinical oversight across our APAC business working closely with our clinical leaders and our hospital partners to drive better health outcomes for our customers,” Mr Stone added.

Nic’s career includes time as Chief Medical Officer with Microsoft, an executive role at Cerner, and years of clinical practice in Emergency Departments, Urgent Care Clinics and General Practice, across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK.

Bupa Asia Pacific CEO, Nick Stone said: “GPs are the backbone of our health system and it’s vital that Australians are able to access healthcare whenever and wherever they need it.

“We welcome initiatives that help ease cost of living pressures and provide timely and convenient access to healthcare, which we know can be real barriers for all Australians,” Mr Stone said.

“Being able to access doctors via telehealth at any time of the day helps take some pressure off busy hospital emergency departments while promoting preventative healthcare. We also know that general practice is under pressure in Australia and additional opportunities that increase flexibility for doctors are a key way to attract and retain GPs.”

Mr Stone said Bupa had already boosted its telehealth services with three 24/7 telehealth consults per policy for eligible health insurance customers as part of its digital health platform, Blua.

To date, 69% of Blua telehealth appointments have been resolved during initial consultations, with just 2% or less directed to emergency departments. Currently, more than 90% of all Blua consultations are carried out via video which enhances the quality and safety of interactions.

Mr Stone said: “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has quickly become an established part of Australia’s health care system, making better use of practitioners’ and patients’ time.

“Usage patterns indicate Blua Online Doctors is increasing access to primary care out-of-hours and at times when patients might otherwise visit their local emergency department instead,” Mr Stone added.

For more information about Blua please click here.