Resignation of Chief Executive

This statement is made by Syd Bradley, Chairman of the Canterbury District Health Board.

‘It is with considerable regret that I have accepted the resignation of the Chief Executive Jean O’Callaghan. Jean is leaving the CDHB to take up a new position in England as Chief Executive of the Bedford NHS Trust. She will be leaving the DHB in August.

Jean has made an enormous contribution to the development of the Canterbury District Health Board as an organisation and has led from the front to establish the DHB as financially sound and organisationally strong. Taking the DHB through its first few years was never going to be easy and it is a testament to the CEO’s tenacity and resourcefulness that she has achieved a financially break-even position within three years and has developed a positive and stable working environment while continuing to deliver quality health services required to meet contract.

Jean has worked with the Board members to develop a platform from which to springboard several initiatives including the establishment of the Quality & Patient Safety Council, something which will produce long term benefits for the DHB. She has been instrumental in developing a strong collegial environment within the organisation and at the same time has recognised the importance of networking with other public health providers both in Canterbury and nationally.

Positioning the CDHB as a major contributor to the region’s economy as well as the leading health agency in Canterbury has been a significant challenge and together with her team, Jean has ensured that other organisations in health, welfare and social change, have understood the role of the DHB.

I wish Jean well in her future role. She will be taking considerable experience and expertise with her. In the meantime, the Board will immediately begin recruiting for a new Chief Executive. Interim arrangements until a new CEO is appointed will be advised as soon as is practicable.

Syd Bradley, Chairman

ENDS

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