The search for a new chief executive of the Southern District Health Board is taking longer than expected.
The board hoped to confirm the successful candidate next week, but said yesterday the timeframe had been "revised".
In a written response to the Otago Daily Times, commissioner Kathy Grant said her team was "working towards an appointment as quickly as we can".
Her response did not say when an appointment was expected.
"The shortlisting process has taken place in several stages with six candidates from both New Zealand and overseas evaluated in greater detail," Mrs Grant said.
Acting chief executive Chris Fleming was seconded from the Nelson Marlborough health board to run the DHB after Carole Heatly left in August. Meanwhile, Mrs Grant confirmed yesterday she would not appoint a third deputy commissioner to replace Dr Angela Pitchford, who quit in September.
At the time, Mrs Grant said Dr Pitchford, who provided the team’s clinical input, would be replaced.
Yesterday, after repeated requests for an update on the vacancy, Mrs Grant said there was no need to replace Dr Pitchford.
"As a commissioner team we came to a view that rather than appointing a further deputy commissioner to provide the clinical perspective, this and other specialist input is better gained through drawing upon a wider network of expertise."
Mrs Grant said the team had developed "stronger channels" for seeking clinical advice and expertise.
The commissioner team was installed by the Government last year when the SDHB board members were sacked.
