In a statement released yesterday, board chairman Paul Allison said the Waitaki District Council-controlled organisation that owns and operates Oamaru Hospital had started the recruitment process.
Current chief executive Ruth Kibble was seconded from her role as primary health partnerships director at the South Canterbury District Health Board in September 2018, after the departure of former chief executive Robert Gonzales.
Mr Allison said Mrs Kibble’s secondment, to end in June, was always a temporary measure as the company negotiated and finalised health service contracts with the Southern District Health Board.
‘‘Overall, the board is pleased with the progress made to date, but now is the right time for us to get stability at the top.
‘‘For the past 18 months, Ruth has tackled some major issues and has made significant changes in what is a most challenging sector.
‘‘From the board’s perspective it is critical that we find the best person for the job, and that's why we are using an independent and specialist recruitment firm to help with that process.”
It is expected an appointment will be made in April.
