Capital District Health Authority CEO Announced
A new co-operative arrangement to ensure a successful transition to the new Capital Health District was announced today by Dr. Tom Ward, deputy minister of Health and chair of the Central Regional Health Board; Charles Keating, chair of the board of directors for the QEII Health Sciences Centre; and Emmett Austin, chair of the Nova Scotia Hospital board of management.
Robert J. Smith, CEO of the QEII Health Sciences Centre, has been seconded to the position of chief executive officer for the Central Regional Health Board and the Nova Scotia Hospital effective immediately. In the formation of the new Capital Health District, he will also become CEO of the new Capital District Health Authority.
"Today's announcement sets the stage for the establishment of the new Capital District Health Authority and for greater co- operation and integration of services among all facilities in the central region including the Nova Scotia Hospital and the QEII to better meet community health care needs," said Dr. Ward. "Bob Smith brings to the job great enthusiasm and impressive credentials to match the demands of this position, and his availability allows us to immediately move ahead with the transition."
The Capital District Health Authority is one of nine district health authorities to be established as part of the provincial government's commitment to provide Nova Scotians with an integrated, high quality, community-based health care system.
The district health authorities will be legislated to be accountable both to their communities and to the Department of Health for the decisions they make and the money they spend. Community health boards will be recognized, for the first time, in legislation.
District health authorities will be responsible for maximizing resources and integrating parts of the health delivery system, including health prevention and promotion; diagnostic treatment, adult acute care; continuing care; public health; mental health; and addiction services. Responsibility for long term care and further responsibility for home care is expected to be included in the near future.
"Mr. Smith has provided excellent management and made the QEII's presence known on the national map for health care excellence," said Mr. Keating. "I have every confidence that Bob will do a tremendous job integrating the strengths of various facilities while at the same time maintaining our excellence as an academic health sciences centre."
"Today our board of management passed a resolution to formally transfer the role of CEO for the Nova Scotia Hospital to Bob Smith," said Mr. Austin. "The members of our board have full confidence in Bob Smith and are eager to begin this exciting new initiative."
Anne McGuire, former executive director of the Nova Scotia Hospital, will continue in a leadership role at the hospital including her work as a facilitator for the development of a mental health program for the capital district
The IWK Grace will retain its current board but will participate in partnerships and joint business planning.
Barry MacMillan, former CEO of the Central Regional Health Board, has recently indicated that he wishes to pursue other interests.
"I would like to publicly thank Barry MacMillan for his leadership and ongoing commitment to the community he served and for his support of community-based health care," said Dr. Ward. "In addition, we are very fortunate to retain such a high calibre individual as Ann McGuire who will continue to have a vital role at the Nova Scotia Hospital."
The Capital District Health Authority will replace the existing Central Region Health Board. It will include communities from West Hants to Cobequid, Halifax to Dartmouth and Eastern Shore to Musquodoboit Harbour.