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Cura Executive Management
Peter Freeleagus
Peter Freeleagus, CEO of Cura Day Hospitals Group brings over 30 years of operational and executive management experience in the Australian healthcare sector.
He has served as CEO of a leading diagnostic pathology practice and held board positions and key roles in strategic decision-making at state and national levels.
Peter’s extensive background provides a unique perspective on both acute care and diagnostic settings, positioning him as a trusted leader in the industry.
As a former Board Member and Councillor of the Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA), Peter has actively contributed to shaping the private healthcare landscape.
His commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services is evident in his dedication to fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and driving positive change within the industry.
Under his leadership, Cura Day Hospitals Group has experienced significant growth, emerging as Australia’s leading Day Hospital group.
Annette Abrahams
Annette Abrahams is a highly experienced Chief Financial Officer with over 18 years in C-suite roles within listed companies.
In her role as Chief Financial Officer at Cura Day Hospitals Group she oversees financial operations and strategic planning for the Group and specialises in financial management, statutory reporting, auditing, and compliance.
Annette’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and accreditation as a Chartered Accountant.
Annette was the CFO & Company Secretary for Cura Day Hospitals Group from January 2011, to July 2019, and contributed significantly to the organisation’s success.
Ms Abrahams also served as CFO and Executive General Manager for Corporate Services at St Vincent’s Health Australia from September 2020, to May 2022.
Annette continues to be a driving force, shaping the financial landscape of the organisations she serves through her dynamic leadership and financial expertise.
Kaylene Elliott
In her role of National Hospitals Operations Manager, Kaylene is responsible for overseeing the operational management of Cura’s 29 hospitals nationwide. Her primary responsibilities include ensuring that Cura’s hospitals meet their performance targets and adhere to our Group’s strategic objectives in safety, quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
Kaylene Elliott joined Cura Day Hospitals Group in 2008 when Toowoomba Surgicentre was acquired. Kaylene held the position of CEO/ Director of Nursing at Toowoomba Surgicentre for 17 years and in 2016 was promoted to the Executive Management Team.
Tim Puyk
In his role of National Business Development Manager, Tim is responsible for providing strategic advice to the CEO on business development opportunities and Doctor engagement initiatives.
Tim Puyk joined Cura Day Hospitals Group when Victoria Parade Surgery Centre was acquired in 2013. Tim has considerable management experience in the private hospital sector and has held various key positions in industry associations.
Emma Bognar
Emma initially joined Cura in 2019 as Contract Manager – Health Funds, before being promoted to National Revenue Manager. Emma brings a wealth of experience within the healthcare sector having previously worked in senior roles at NIB, Ramsay and Healthscope and was a member of the Department of Health’s Prosthesis List Advisory Committee from 2017 – 2023.
Emma is responsible for Cura’s numerous key contracts with private health insurers, DVA, workers compensation and other government payors. In addition to this, she also leads various projects to improve the revenue cycle within our business units to ensure accurate and timely billing / revenue collection from all payors.
Stephanie Samios
Stephanie’s responsibilities include identification and completion of key merger and acquisition opportunities as well as overseeing analysis and negotiation of supplier contracts.
Stephanie joined Cura in November 2014 to assist with Cura growth initiatives, in particular on acquisition growth. Since joining Cura, Stephanie has contributed to the completion of numerous strategic day hospital acquisitions. In addition to this, Stephanie has focused on strengthening relationships with key suppliers, establishing a number of group wide pricing arrangements and contracts.
Prior to joining Cura Stephanie worked for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu for seven years where she was a Client Manager, specialising in the Health and Aged Care sector as part of their Assurance and Advisory team. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Jeffrey Woods
Jeffrey is responsible for Cura’s clinical governance and safety and quality systems, and the continuous improvement of safety and quality across our services. In addition he leads various projects to support Cura’s commitment to sustainable healthcare.
Jeffrey joined Cura in 2023 as the National Clinical Governance Manager. Along with a clinical background, Jeffrey holds a Master of Critical Care Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing. He has expansive experience and knowledge in improving clinical performance and enhancement of care delivery. Jeffrey is recognized for excellence and effectiveness in delivering innovative business and technology improvements, organizational change and capability development that surpass industry standards.
Janet Schriel
In her role as Investor Relations Manager, Janet Schriel oversees the investor relations strategy for the Group ensuring alignment with the long-term strategic goals of the organisation.
Janet has previously engaged with our Doctor Shareholders to bring successive Cura acquisitions to their successful completion. She is experienced in developing strong relationships with investors, gained through her background in the Australian financial markets.
In addition to Shareholder engagement, she provides strategic organisational advice to the executive team on a range of business initiatives.
Prior to her role as Investor Relations Manager, Janet held the position of Executive Programs Manager for Cura Day Hospitals Group. In this role she was integral to the management of the CEO’s office and functions of the Board.
Mary Kirkwood
Mary assists with Gastroenterology Services in addition to her responsibilities as CEO/DoN of Chesterville Day Hospital.
Mary Kirkwood joined Cura Day Hospitals Group in 2010 as CEO/ Director of Nursing at Chesterville Day Hospital in Victoria and has extensive management experience in the private hospital sector, both day surgery and overnight facilities.
Bianca Clark
Bianca is responsible for the Group’s marketing and communications endeavours nationally. She has been part of the team for more than 10 years and works closely with Cura’s member hospitals to effectively align marketing and communication efforts with the Group’s overall business goals. Bianca has a strong interest in strategic integrated marketing programs that build brand, reputation and relationships. Bianca holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing), and a Master of Business (Integrated Marketing Communications). She was appointed to Cura Day Hospital Group’s Executive Management Committee in 2023.