She announced her resignation in July.
Ms Heatly declined to be interviewed about her last day but in an earlier press release announcing her resignation, said it had been a difficult decision but she was unable to commit to the role for a further three to five years.
''We are entering a new period of development, with the rebuild of Dunedin Hospital and alignment of services across the district.
''This requires continuity of leadership over several years, and for personal and family reasons I am unable to commit to a longer tenure and have therefore taken the difficult decision to resign.''
In July Ms Heatly told the Otago Daily Times she had anticipated staying longer in the role for which she was paid $500,000 to $510,000 in 2014-2015.
''I always thought this would probably be my last job.
''I'm relatively young, at 58.''
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board chief executive Chris Fleming (48), would fill the SDHB chief executive role temporarily for six months from mid-September.
Ms Heatly is originally from Motherwell, near Glasgow, and previously held senior roles in the British National Health Service.
She said the SDHB job was more political than similar roles in Britain.
''The politics in New Zealand are a lot closer to where the action is.''
Ms Heatly was unsure what to do next in her career. However, she planned to stay in Dunedin.
Last month figures obtained under the Official Information Act showed the SDHB paid $643,000 for 19 termination payments in 2015-16.
Ms Heatly's resignation fell under the new financial year, meaning any legal settlement figures pertaining to Ms Heatly were not included.
SDHB commissioner Kathy Grant declined to disclose whether a financial settlement was reached with Ms Heatly.
