CEO named to lead Central Health Authority

Health and Community Services Minister John Ottenheimer and Robert Woolfrey, Chair, Central Regional Integrated Health Authority (RIHA) today named David Diamond as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the Central RIHA.

"I have always maintained that we have exemplary leadership capacity in our province and I�m confident that Mr. Diamond�s accomplishments and abilities will greatly benefit the incoming board throughout the transition and in building better health services for the future," said Minister Ottenheimer.

Robert Woolfrey, Chair, Central RIHA, participated in the selection process along with representatives of the Department of Health and Community Services and the Public Service Commission. "With over 15 years in the health system, Mr. Diamond has demonstrated an ability to build strong partnerships with employees, medical staff, other health boards and communities," added Mr. Woolfrey. "The board and I are extremely pleased to have him join us as we prepare to undertake new challenges."

Mr. Diamond will assume his new responsibilities effective immediately. A native of Botwood, Mr. Diamond holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Master in Health Services Administration from the University of Alberta. Mr. Diamond also chairs the provincial Human Resources Management group of the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Boards Association and is a member of its labour relations committee. Over the past 15 years, Mr. Diamond has held a variety of senior leadership positions within the health care system.

In 1995, Mr. Diamond was appointed Vice-President Human Resources for Central West Health Corporation. Since the fall of 1999, he has held the position of Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President Human Resources of the Central West Health Corporation. During his tenure, Mr. Diamond facilitated a planning process between the Central West Health Corporation and Health and Community Services Central to create a joint mental health program. Today, the program is recognized as a provincial model and provides community-based mental health services along the full continuum of care. In addition, Mr. Diamond�s strengths in labour relations have contributed to a positive working relationship with the region�s medical staff.

"I am pleased to continue to serve the people of the central region and build on the successes of the three current health boards in central Newfoundland to ensure we continue to deliver quality health and community-based care. I have enjoyed working in partnership with our local municipalities, community groups and health care professionals and it is my hope to continue to work together in building better health services," noted Mr. Diamond.

"I also look forward to the opportunities that exist through the integration of institution and community services in one service delivery model which will include the full continuum of care."

Mr. Diamond will meet with the new board in February for their first board meeting.
Existing CEOs will remain in place to continue with day-to-day operations until midnight of March 31, 2005 when the new regional integrated health authorities assume legal responsibility and the transfer of duties is complete. In the interim, all significant operational decisions will be made in consultation with, and with the concurrence of, the new CEO.

As government continues to complete the transition the Department of Health and Community Services will engage the new CEOs in beginning the strategic planning with the new health authorities and finalizing the mandates of the regional authorities. Incoming CEOs, in consultation with their boards, will focus on shaping senior teams and the administrative structure for the regions, strategic planning, transition agreements and budget preparation.

On September 10, government announced the transformation of 14 provincial health boards to four Regional Integrated Health Authorities as a necessary step in renewing our health and community services system and meeting client needs. The new administrative structure will provide better co-ordination and planning for the health needs of regions and reduce duplication of services.

Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Communications, (709) 729-1377 or 682-5093

2005 02 01                                                 10:25 a.m.