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PAPHR CEO not retained for new single health authority

Dec 5, 2017 | 11:00 AM

As the province officially moves to a single amalgamated health authority, paNOW has learned former Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR) CEO Cecile Hunt will not be with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) going forward.

In an emailed statement from the Ministry of Health, it was explained how included in a $4.1 million severance package were “seven voluntary separations from earlier this spring and the recent CEOs for the Five Hills, Prince Albert Parkland, Saskatoon and Prairie North Health Regions.”

Prairie North CEO David Fan will “continue to work for the SHA on a half-time basis until February 28, 2018, at which time he will receive severance,” the ministry said.

Meanwhile former CEO of the Kelsey Trail Health region Shane Merriman has accepted a position as an Executive Director in finance with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. 

Hunt served at the helm of the local health region for 11 years. At the health region’s final board meeting Nov. 22, her voice broke as she thanked her counterparts and said she was most proud of the level of service and care provided to residents.

“Health is an ever-evolving system. It’s got lots of interconnected parts. It’s grounded in science, but it’s also grounded in emotion and pride and most of all, the thing we do very well is the delivery of healthcare to people who are vulnerable, who need those providers,” Hunt said during the Nov. 22 meeting. “Everyone comes together to provide the support and this service.”

Hunt and SHA management have repeatedly said residents who use PAPHR services will not see any changes as the amalgamated authority comes together.

Local communications officer Doug Dahl, in an email, stated it was “too early to speculate” on the specific number of individuals who “could eventually not be part of the Saskatchewan Health Authority” as the organizational structure is developed.

It is, however, anticipated that some individuals affected by the initial restructuring could be brought back as part of later organizational development.

Dahl outlined a three-phase plan that will be used to fully develop this structure. The first phase was announced in late September, where senior leadership roles were outlined. This move set the stage for subsequent development, as these leaders will be “involved in determining the needs for their portfolios.”

The SHA, according to Dahl, has set the end of February as a deadline to recruit all executive directors and some director positions who will report to the vice-presidents. These staff will then determine the needs of their teams to finalize the full out-of-scope organizational structure. 

This is anticipated to begin in early 2018 and may take several months to conclude. 

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr