A local dermatologist is applauding the recent appointment of Dr. Pat Parfrey as the new CEO of NL Health – expressing hope and confidence that his leadership will take the health authority in a positive direction.

Dr. Wayne Gulliver calls Parfrey’s appointment great news. Speaking on VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly, Gulliver used medical analogies to describe the work Parfrey has ahead in dealing with issues within the health authority.

“We’ll see a significant improvement” says Gulliver, “I’m sure heads will roll, limbs that are non-functional will be severed, and any cancer growths will be removed. ” He says “it’s great to see a physician back at the helm.”

Parfrey most recently served as a provincial Deputy Minister of Health Transformation and was the co-chair of the NL Health Accord.

Parfrey takes over from Karen Stone who held the position on an interim basis following the retirement of former CEO David Diamond last June. Diamond held the position for a decade.