She remembers with great affection the days she worked in a nursing home in the evenings and at weekends when she was a 15-year-old schoolgirl. 

Bernie went on to become a qualified nurse and midwife, and later a well-regarded strategist and executive leader across the health sector. 

“Working in healthcare is not what we do – it’s who we are,” she says. 

The British-born healthcare leader has now been appointed chief executive of FCD Health, operator of the Palmerston GP Super Clinic and the adjacent Palmerston Medical Urgent Care Clinic – Bernie took over from Robyn Cahill, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly at the last Northern Territory election. 

Bernie brings much to the job – a wealth of experience, a passion for community health and a commitment to making a difference. 

“I feel privileged to have been involved in so many initiatives to improve healthcare,” she says. “I’ve balanced my career between strategic initiatives and being back at the coalface of healthcare.” 

The Palmerston clinics provide accessible, high-quality healthcare, and advance the medical profession through education and training. 

The Super Clinic is a multidisciplinary healthcare hub offering preventive care, chronic disease management, women’s and men’s mental health services and allied health services. 

It has a skin cancer clinic and a new vasectomy clinic. 

And the Super Clinic has increased accessibility through telehealth, particularly for rural areas. 

The Urgent Care Clinic is an accredited Medicare provider of urgent care, easing the burden on emergency departments by treating non-life-threatening conditions. 

It has given patients more options of where to receive high-quality care close to home, allowing emergency rooms to focus on critical cases. 

Bernie is eager to see the service grow, accommodating more patients and offering broader support for the community. 

FCD has solid partnerships with Flinders and Charles Darwin universities to provide training, education and workforce development, fostering hands-on training opportunities for medical, nursing, paramedicine and allied health students. 

Its commitment includes training a diverse healthcare workforce and a scholarship program. 

With CDU launching an additional medical program in 2026, which will provide even more opportunities for aspiring doctors in the Territory, FCD Health will have more opportunities to have a meaningful impact on the NT’s medical workforce. 

“It will support our vision to grow and retain our own,” Bernie says. 

“At FCD Health, our vision is to lead the way in delivering innovative, accessible and culturally responsive healthcare for all Territorians. 

“Grounded in our core values of holistic care, excellence, adaptability, lifelong learning, teamwork and health equity, we are committed to improving community health, reducing disparities and building a sustainable healthcare workforce for the NT’s future. 

“This forward-looking approach ensures that FCD Health serves as both a trusted healthcare provider and an educational hub, preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the Territory’s unique needs. 

“As CEO, my role is to bring this vision to life by implementing the strategic intent laid out by the FCD Health board. 

“FCD Health is centred on four key pillars: expanding access to multidisciplinary care at the Palmerston GP Super Clinic, establishing the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic as a reliable provider of non-emergency care, strengthening our educational partnerships to develop a skilled healthcare workforce, and ensuring community-centred care that prioritises cultural safety, wellbeing and inclusivity. 

“I am dedicated to advancing our strategic vision through initiatives that not only enhance patient care but also empower our team, create strong partnerships and build a resilient healthcare infrastructure for the NT. 

“This work is essential to delivering on our mission of fostering long-term wellness and providing high-quality, equitable healthcare to all members of our diverse communities. 

“Together with the FCD Health board, I am confident that we will make a lasting, positive impact on healthcare in the Northern Territory.” 

Bernie also wants to foster a workplace environment where staff feel valued, supported and inspired. 

“Our focus on wellbeing extends beyond patient care — we prioritise the health, happiness and professional growth of our team members. 

“Through wellness programs, flexible work arrangements and opportunities for professional development, we empower our staff to care for themselves as they care for others. 

“Recognising that our people are our greatest asset, I am dedicated to creating a workplace culture that nurtures personal resilience and professional excellence. 

“I am not only investing in the wellbeing of our team but also supporting them in mentoring and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. 

“By promoting a culture of respect, collaboration and growth, I aim to build a thriving, motivated workforce that can continue to elevate healthcare standards for the Northern Territory for years to come.”