The decision to remove Pat Parfrey as CEO of NL Health Services was not a political one, according to the health minister. However, the Opposition sees one of the moves last week by the Premier as a political one.
News broke on Thursday that Parfrey, who was a central figure in the Furey government’s health care plans, had been ousted from his position with the health authority.
Lela Evans thanks Parfrey for his service, and was categorical in stating the decision was not a political one.
Dr. Pat Parfrey (VOCM News)
“With everything comes change, and like I said the healthcare system needs change. It needs change from within, and also…we need new improvements in terms of services, infrastructure, and supports.”
When asked if government has an idea of who will be appointed as the permanent CEO, Evans praised Ron Johnson – who has been named head of NLHS in the interim.
She says Johnson provides “stability and accountability,” noting that, coming from his most recent role as a VP, he is “perfectly strategic” to lead them in major changes that are soon coming down – such as the transition to Core Care.
Former PC cabinet minister Ross Wiseman has been appointed as chair of the board of trustees of NLHS, but Health Critic Lisa Dempster says politicizing the health authority is not what our health care system needs during the time of transformation.
