Helen Favelle is an Executive Director and founding partner of O'Connell Advisory with more than 40 years' experience across the health, aged care, disability and community sectors. She has worked with governments, public and private health services, aged care providers and community organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand.
A respected health planning specialist, researcher and project leader, Helen works with organisations to develop service strategies, evaluate programs, undertake research and consultation, and plan services that respond to changing community needs. Her work combines rigorous research, stakeholder consultation and practical implementation to support better outcomes for services and communities.
Prior to co-founding O'Connell Advisory, Helen held senior consulting roles with PwC and Deloitte and has worked across a broad range of public, private and community sector projects.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Health Administration, University of New South Wales
Associate Diploma in Medical Record Administration
Associate Fellow, Australian College of Health Service Management
Areas of Expertise
Health service planning
Clinical services planning
Program evaluation and literature reviews
Stakeholder and community consultation
Aged care and disability services
Health system strategy and reform
Models of care development
Research and evidence synthesis
Performance improvement and change management
Evidence based Planning and Service Improvement
Helen has built her career helping organisations make informed decisions about future services, infrastructure and investment. Her work is grounded in evidence, research and engagement, ensuring recommendations are practical, achievable and responsive to community need. She is particularly experienced in supporting organisations through service redesign, strategic planning and major reforms across health, aged care and disability services.
Recent experience
Leading the NSW Immune Effector Cell (IEC) Therapy Service Plan for NSW Health.
Leading a statewide review of ICU funding models for NSW Health.
Developing the Clinical Services Plan for Sydney Adventist Hospital.
Researching innovative aged care and homelessness models for The Salvation Army.
Supporting Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service (DWECHS) through aged care accreditation preparation.
Assisting Palm Island to establish a locally delivered aged care service.
Supporting disability providers including Northcott and Unisson to strengthen service models, strategic planning and organisational performance.
Supporting the development of Medicare Mental Health Centre and community mental health service models for government and not-for-profit providers.
Contributing to major hospital planning, cancer service planning and health reform projects across NSW and Victoria
How Helen Works
Known for her thorough and collaborative approach, Helen works closely with clinicians, executives, boards and communities to understand issues, identify opportunities and develop practical solutions.
Clients value her depth of experience, strong consultation skills and commitment to delivering high-quality work.