The new CEO of NL Health Services says his priorities for the health care system are the same as those outlined in the Health Accord.

Pat Parfrey, who helped craft the accord and guide its implementation within government, was named as the health authority’s new CEO last week.

Referencing his role in the Health Accord, Parfrey says he is the only leader of a health care organization to have written out his objectives before being offered the job.

“If you want to know what I’m going to do, read the Health Accord.” He says it outlines the direction in which they want to go.

Ultimately, Parfrey says there needs to be a focus on the social determinants of health.

He says billions of dollars can be spent on health care, but it will make very little difference if societal factors are not addressed. He says he will be working with Well-Being NL to get action on that front.