Private Emergency Health Australia (PEHA) Private Emergency Health Australia (PEHA)
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Our Team

At PEHA, we believe great outcomes start with great people. Our team brings together deep experience, shared values and a passion for delivering better emergency care. United by purpose and driven by excellence, we’re proud to support hospitals, patients and each other—every step of the way.

Dr Philip Gaudin

PEHA Founder, Clinical Director & Townsville Site Director

Dr Philip Gaudin

PEHA Founder, Clinical Director & Townsville Site Director
Philip is a founding PEHA Director and has clinical oversight for all PEHA sites. He is also the Deputy Chair of the Private Practice Section for the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine.  Philip is a member of the PEHA Clinical Advisory Committee and is also a director of the PEHA Board. With more than 20 years of clinical experience in a wide range of medical settings, he is a capable and trustworthy leader and physician. Philip studied medicine and surgery as an undergraduate at James Cook University and worked at several public-sector sites across metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote Queensland before moving to Western Australia to undertake his fellowship at Royal Perth Hospital, a centre for excellence in both trauma and medical research.

Joshua Derrington

PEHA Founder & Commercial Director

Joshua Derrington

PEHA Founder & Commercial Director
Joshua is a founding PEHA Director and works closely with our hospital partners and the commercial aspects of running PEHA. He is a director of the PEHA Board. Joshua has over 20 years’ experience in business and finance across multiple industries and geographies, and currently holds several Non-Executive Board roles. Joshua is passionate about health care innovation and believes there is a genuine opportunity to do good for the community over the long term by reducing the burden on the public health sector.

Chris Twible

PEHA CFO/COO

Chris Twible

PEHA CFO/COO
Chris is the CFO/COO and is responsible for the overall financial and operational strategic direction of PEHA. Chris has over 18 years’ experience in professional services and highly regulated, care-focused businesses. Chris is passionate about supporting and growing the PEHA team to deliver high-quality patient care to communities around Australia. In his spare time, Chris spends time with his wife and two young kids, but also likes all things food at any chance  

Andrea Cracknell

General Manager

Andrea Cracknell

General Manager

Andrea is the General Manager of PEHA, responsible for driving business performance and ensuring efficient service delivery across emergency departments. With over 25 years in healthcare, she combines clinical expertise with strategic leadership. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Radiation Technology from QUT and spent years as a clinical radiation therapist caring for cancer patients. She later earned an MBA from the University of Queensland, transitioning into healthcare management. Though no longer in direct care, her commitment to patient outcomes remains central, guiding decisions that enhance both care quality and organisational performance.

     

Chrystal Derrington

Strategic Projects Director

Chrystal Derrington

Strategic Projects Director
Chrystal provides commercial insights and guidance to PEHA’s Management Team and leads the development of PEHA’s custom in-house ED Management Tool, ED360. During Chrystal’s 20 years of experience in business, she has developed a passion for problem-solving and creating value in businesses. In her operating partner roles, Chrystal has developed hands-on experience across finance, strategy, operations, sales/marketing and project management. In her spare time, Chrystal likes to relax and enjoy a glass of wine with her husband and business partner, Josh. I get a real kick out of adding value (through growth or improvement initiatives). I also love developing win-win solutions that validate our partnership approach to business.

Rob Shergold

Corporate Development Director

Rob Shergold

Corporate Development Director
Rob is responsible for forging and maintaining hospital partnerships to expand PEHA’s network of private emergency departments. His role is to identify and secure opportunities that drive financial and strategic value, ensuring sustainable growth for the business. With a background in corporate finance, Mergers & Acquisition advisory and financial audit services, Rob has worked across London and Melbourne, specialising in healthcare transactions and operational strategy. His expertise lies in assessing viable opportunities and structuring deals that align clinical excellence with commercial success. Outside of work, Rob is an avid golfer—though you wouldn’t know it from his scorecard… Passionate about building long-term partnerships, Rob believes that “great healthcare starts with great collaboration.”  

Saran Girdwood

Financial Controller

Saran Girdwood

Financial Controller
Saran is responsible for overseeing all financial operations at PEHA, ensuring accurate reporting, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial planning to support growth and sustainability. With over a decade of experience in finance and a strong background in accounting across various sectors, he brings valuable insight and leadership. Prior to joining PEHA, Saran held a senior finance role at a high-growth ASX-listed EduTech startup, following his earlier career in Big 4 audit at Deloitte. Originally from the UK, he is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. He holds a degree in Biochemistry from Bath University and began his career in research and clinical settings before transitioning into accountancy. Passionate about strategic business support, Saran is committed to contributing to PEHA’s leadership team and long-term success.

James Gaudin

PEHA Project Manager

James Gaudin

PEHA Project Manager
As Project Manager, James is PEHA's operational lead for projects that deliver financial, clinical, and cultural benefits to the organisation and its partners. James has worked in the health care industry, spanning both the public and private sectors, for over twenty years. James has excelled in senior clinical and senior management roles and has demonstrated an ability to provide innovative & efficient solutions to health care challenges. James is passionate about developing high-performing teams, forming mutually beneficial partnerships and building a positive and productive workplace culture. James enjoys travelling and feels blessed to have recently completed a caravan lap around Australia with his wife and three children.                                                                                                                 Teamwork divides the task and multiples the success.  

Elle Hatherly

Practice Operations Lead

Elle Hatherly

Practice Operations Lead
Elle works to maintain and establish PEHA’s varying locations by providing support to the PEHA Practice Managers. With a background in operations and recruitment, Elle works to preserve and strengthen PEHA’s partnerships as well as the overall coordination of PEHA’s Emergency Departments. Her aptitude for enhancing operations is evident in her contributions to PEHA’s technological and practice procedures.

Joanne Burton

Medical Talent Acquisition Specialist

Joanne Burton

Medical Talent Acquisition Specialist
Joanne’s role includes the management of doctor engagement and rostering. Joanne is highly experienced with a strong background in business development, talent acquisition, recruitment and operations in the health care industry. Joanne aims to build strong and lasting relationships within her work at PEHA.

Rohit Khodaskar

Financial Accountant

Rohit Khodaskar

Financial Accountant
Rohit leads the daily financial operations across the group, managing payroll, supplier payments, reconciliations, and reporting with precision and care. By delivering strategic financial insights and maintaining strong operational foundations, Rohit plays a key role in shaping the business’s growth, stability, and long-term success. Rohit holds a Master of Business (Professional Accounting) from QUT and a Bachelor of Commerce, and is an Associate Member of CPA Australia. With broad finance experience across healthcare, education, and fitness sectors, he brings strong expertise in financial accounting, reporting, payroll, compliance, and system optimisation. Outside of work, Rohit’s either chasing sunshine at the beach, exploring national parks and coffee shops with his partner Shaina, or perfecting his drone photography skills.  

Alys Bleasel

Marketing Coordinator

Alys Bleasel

Marketing Coordinator
As Marketing Coordinator, Alys supports PEHA’s marketing efforts by devising and executing campaigns, coordinating marketing activities, and assisting in strategic planning and analysis. Although originally from Brisbane, Alys joins us from New Zealand, where she obtained her degree in Marketing & Communications at the University of Waikato. Alys has over six years of experience within the healthcare industry, which includes involvement in health-related project planning and advocation. Alys is thoroughly enjoying the sunshine and vibrant energy of her new city lifestyle. On weekends, she has been embracing her inner tourist and exploring everything Brisbane has to offer.

Ella Smith

Recruitment Coordinator

Ella Smith

Recruitment Coordinator

With a background in healthcare recruitment, Ella plays a key role in welcoming medical talent to PEHA. As Recruitment Coordinator, Ella specialises in guiding new doctors through every step of the onboarding process—from initial outreach and interviews, to credentialing and orientation. Passionate about building strong teams that deliver high-quality patient care, Ella combines attention to detail with a people-first approach to ensure each hire feels supported and set up for success. Ella's background in healthcare staffing has equipped her with a deep understanding of clinical environments and the importance of matching the right professionals to the right roles. Outside of her work at PEHA, Ella enjoys AFL, playing in the Queensland State League, and supporting the Brisbane Lions.

One purpose brings us together: delivering better emergency care.

Every member of our team is driven by the same goal: improving the emergency experience. No matter the role, we work together to deliver outcomes that put patients, hospitals and communities first.

From clinical decisions to everyday interactions, we act with honesty, transparency and accountability. It’s how we build trust—with each other, and with those we care for.

We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger. That’s why we listen, communicate openly, and treat everyone—colleagues, partners, and patients—with respect and empathy.

Excellence isn’t a finish line. We’re always learning, evolving and improving—so we can meet today’s challenges and shape the future of emergency healthcare.