Bernard John Amos (known as Bernie) was the only child of Bernard Hunter and Nelly Grace Amos (nee Shannon.) He was a charismatic, larger-than-life man, who succeeded brilliantly at almost everything he did. Born in Townsville, where his father was a bank manager, he was schooled in the public system until he went to Shore (Sydney Church of England Grammar) in North Sydney. He became a formidable athlete, representing his school at the top level in cricket, rugby and athletics. He was also dux and a senior prefect. He repaid his old school by serving on its council during the 1980s.

He entered medicine at the University of Sydney in 1953 and in 1956, as a student, began a long and formative relationship with the Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH). Initially, he wanted to become a surgeon, but an accident with a long blood-transfusion needle damaged a nerve in one hand, and with characteristic insouciance and competence he changed direction and completed training as a physician. He moved through the ranks, completing his residencies and registrar training at RNSH and became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

He was appointed as Clinical Superintendent, and then Director of Medical Services in 1964. Bernie continued to practise as a physician, including regular out-patient clinics in Bourke.

In 1972 he joined the Project Committee for the proposed Westmead Hospital. Bernie had a clear view of the project's place in the allocation of medical services in Greater Sydney and in New South Wales. Westmead had unobtrusively become the demographic centre of Sydney's population, and there was a notable lack of high level, teaching hospital services for the western metropolitan population.

Bernie was appointed General Superintendent of the Parramatta Hospital complex in 1977, and entered what he later described as "the most exciting and creative period of my life." Westmead Hospital opened in 1978. A series of talented and forward-looking clinical academics were attracted to the staff, and Bernie was supported by a team of loyal and gifted administrators. There was enough money in the early days to launch medical departments chaired by outstanding medical scientists, clinicians and administrators. All these people had international reputations, and all attracted good and productive people to work with them.

However, both clinical loads and research activity developed much more quickly than had been predicted. The original plans specified a gradual expansion of services, but demand was too great, and expensive, labour intensive units — such as cardiology, cardiac surgery and medical oncology — became necessary within a year or two. Money became tight. Somehow, Bernie managed both to soothe the angst of competing clinicians and to find money for their impossible demands.

At the same time, he supported medical research. He endorsed the appointments of clinicians with outstanding research records he created a special department to supervise the administration of teaching and research. His recognition of the importance of research has found its current expressions in the Millennium Foundation and the Research Hub with the Westmead Children's Hospital.

He became CEO of the Cumberland Area Health Service in 1986, and then of the Western Sydney Area Health Service in 1988. He was appointed Director General of the Department of Health in New South Wales in 1989, an appointment he held until 1993. His public service was recognised by the award of an AM in 1988, and of an AO in 1994.

After his retirement in 1993, he continued to consult on health services, and became Professorial Fellow in the Department of Public Health and Nutrition at the University of Wollongong. He was Chairman of the Johnson and Johnson Medical Education Foundation, of the Centenary Institute at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and of the NSW Institute of Psychiatry. He had been president of the Medical Board of New South Wales from 1984 to 1989, and he returned as a member of the Medical Board from 1993 to 1998.

Bernie's management style was distinctive, and he was sometimes accused of being autocratic. His size and good looks made him formidable. He never raised his voice, nor did he lose his temper. He took responsibility seriously, and was prepared to make difficult executive decisions when others would not. He liked to deal face-to-face with people. He kept an open door to his office and used to make a regular round of Westmead Hospital to get the feel of its activities and morale. He had a phenomenal memory for staff and their lives.

After his retirement, he travelled as often as he could for pleasure. Before he retired, he travelled in the cause of his work. He went to the Middle East several times to advise on the setting up of hospital systems.

In 1960 Bernie married Helen Jean Harbison, a pharmacist. Bernie's public success was balanced by a profound devotion to Helen and their children; Elizabeth, a scientist, Michael, an anaethetist, David, a cardiologist, and Richard, a lawyer.

Bernie was a big and imposing man, intellectually, morally and physically. He loved company and conversation, and he read widely. Over many years, he suffered episodes of serious ill health, which he seldom allowed to interrupt his life. He continued his activities and followed his interests as if nothing untoward was happening.

His final illness was drawn out, debilitating and at times extremely painful. He died just a few weeks after his seventieth birthday.