The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's Interim President and CEO says dismissing Chief Operating Officer Sarah Padfield was a difficult decision, but necessary for the growth of the hospital.
"I thank Sarah for her contribution, but in going to a non-Chief Operating Officer model, that's what had to happen," says Ken Deane.
The elimination of the COO position was announced Tuesday.
Now, Deane will have three vice presidents acting under him, with each VP focusing on one of the hospital's main priorities. One will concentrate on finance, another on patient care, and the third concentrating on staffing.
When asked if this would save any costs, Deane says that wasn't the aim of the move.
"This was about having the appropriate level of focus and discussion at the senior management table which sets overall strategy for the organization," says Deane. "It was really important to me to have this balanced view."
Chief Nursing Officer Willi Kirenko will stay as VP of clinical programs and services. Deane has also named Debbie Ancocik Vice President of human resources and system integration.
Administration is currently recruiting another vice president for finances.
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