Senior doctors’ union acknowledges Derek Wright

Senior doctors’ union acknowledges contribution of Waikato’s interim health chief

The senior doctors’ union says departing Waikato District Health Board interim chief Derek Wright provided much-needed stability in the wake of the Nigel Murray scandal.

“The DHB desperately needed a steady pair of hands at the helm after former Chief Executive Nigel Murray left in disgrace,” says Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS).

“Staff were unsettled and morale was very low. Derek Wright’s job was to stabilise the ship so the DHB could get on with the task of providing health care to Waikato’s communities, as well as being a better place to work.”

Mr Powell was commenting on news that Waikato DHB’s interim Chief Executive Derek Wright is departing at the end of April (https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/111304317/waikatos-health-boss-derek-wright-to-leave).

He says Derek Wright made a significant contribution to turning around the DHB’s leadership culture.

“We wish him the best for the future, and hope that he will not be lost to the public health service.”

Mr Powell says the DHB’s new Chief Executive, when appointed, must be someone who understands the challenges facing the DHB’s vital health workforce, and who has vision and courage.

ENDS

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