David Diamond, current President and CEO of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, has been named the transitional CEO to lead the planning team that will be put in place for the establishment of one health authority for the province.
As announced in Budget 2022, the Provincial Government is moving forward with plans to establish a single health authority to create more consistency in health care throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as avoid duplication in associated corporate services such as human resources, payroll and finance. The four existing health authorities will be maintained during transition planning and operations will continue status quo.
Health Accord NL was established to re-imagine health and health care in Newfoundland and Labrador, and a compelling case for change was clearly detailed throughout their consultation process and final report. Arising from the Health Accord NL recommendations, government has begun the process of integrating the existing four health authorities into one entity. It is important that the new authority structure be reflective of all regions of the province and, as such, the new health authority will engage with communities during the interim period.
During the transition process, the team will assess and manage integration issues such as: evaluating program delivery within the public sector and recommending organizational structures to improve access to consistent, quality and safe care; seeking opportunities to streamline clinical services delivery and corporate services; developing human resources strategies to manage transition issues; aligning policies; consolidating systems; and maintaining engagement and communications with many stakeholders as the transition progresses. Employment impacts will be managed primarily through attrition and other efficiencies, and it is anticipated that employees would be offered meaningful, comparable alternative employment in the new regional health authority.
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“I am very pleased with the appointment of Mr. Diamond as the transitional CEO for the establishment of the single health authority for the province. As this process unfolds, it is important that all stakeholders work collaboratively with all regional health authority boards and management teams to facilitate a positive transition to one entity. This marks another step forward in our efforts to reshape our health care system.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
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Media contact
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca