Health superboard delayed
Minister says amalgamation must be done right, not right now
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The NWT's health and social services minister says it is more important to get the amalgamation of the territory's regional health authorities into a health superboard done right, than it is to get it done right now.
Sue Cullen will be the chief executive officer of the Territorial Health and Social Services Authority, and in doing so will leave her post as CEO of Stanton Territorial Health Authority. The superboard amalgamates the regional health authorities into one and is set to begin work in August now rather than April. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo |
Glen Abernethy made the comment after the territorial government announced on Feb. 9 the amalgamation's implementation is being delayed to Aug. 1 from April 1. In the same news release, the government announced Sue Cullen would be leaving her position as acting chief executive officer of Stanton Territorial Health Authority to become CEO of the new Territorial Health and Social Services Authority.
"We wanted to wait until we had the CEO in place ... the staffing for that was delayed. It did take a little longer than anticipated," Abernethy said. "We've also had some difficulties getting an appropriate financial system in place for the new authority. This is something that's required in the new authority in order to operate effectively and efficiently."
Abernethy said they also lost a couple months last fall due to the territorial election. He said that delayed the appointment of members to the regional wellness councils that will offer advice to the new authority.
Abernethy pointed out that the amalgamation legislation just passed in October so it will still be under a year since the legislation passed when the new authority takes effect.
He said in hindsight, the April 1 date was a little too ambitious.
Six of the eight regional health authorities in the NWT are being rolled into one superboard.
Hay River's health and social services authority will join at a later date, said Abernethy.
With Cullen taking the reins of the new board, Stanton hospital will soon be in need of a new CEO.
"I don't know when we're going to go out for competition for that but it is something that we will be doing," Abernethy.
He added Cullen brings a wealth of experience to the job, noting she is a nurse by trade and has held several administrative health-care positions across the territory.
No jobs will be lost through the amalgamation, says Abernethy.
"We've made commitments that this is not about downsizing or reducing our footprint in some of our communities," Abernethy said. "It does mean some jobs are going to have to change by design but not necessarily by location."
Abernethy said he remains confident the one board will best serve residents and improve patient care across the territory.
Kam Lake MLA Kieron Testart said he learned about the delay through the media and has some concerns already about how the premier and cabinet are operating.
"I think there needs to be more information sharing and more of a collaborative approach on decisions that were made during the 17th assembly that are carrying over to the 18th, Testart said. "We're responsible for those decisions whether we like it or not."
