Local hospital appoints permanent president and CEO

Written By MIKE BAKER

The Headwaters Health Care Centre Board of Directors have officially named Kim Delahunt as permanent President and CEO of the local hospital.

As announcement was made by Board Chair Lori Ker on Tuesday (Dec. 3), following a two-month recruitment process initiated by the sudden departure of now former President and CEO Stacey Daub in the fall. Ms. Delahunt had been serving in the role on an interim basis since early October. 

“We are very pleased to have Kim Delahunt join the team at Headwaters Health Care Centre. Kim has been interim President & CEO since early October, and in that time she has demonstrated her commitment to our values and embraced her role, providing stability and continuity in the important work we have underway,” Ms. Ker informed the Citizen. “Kim is a passionate leader, with an extensive background in health and social care – I am confident she will successfully lead our hospital into the future and support great health care for our community.”

Ms. Delahunt has spent her entire career working within the health care sector in Ontario. Most recently, she was Vice President of Health System Strategy, Integration and Planning with the Central West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). Now, she's simply focusing on continuing the groundwork and maintaining the momentum generated by her predecessor, while hoping to leave hr own imprint on an institution she holds close to her heart. 

“I am proud to be part of Headwaters Health Care Centre, and have the opportunity to work along such dedicated and talented staff, physicians and volunteers,” Ms. Delahunt said. “As a local resident and health care leader, I am truly invested in the wellbeing of our community and propelling the important work we have underway forward, so we can provide even better.”

Having worked closely alongside the hospital for several years in her position with the LHIN, and with two months under her belt at Headwaters, Ms. Delahunt says she's very well aware of the ongoing projects at the facility, such as the renovations and improvements to the lobby and main entrance, future projects, including the planned renovations to the emergency department, and special initiatives, such as the hospital's role in the Hills of Headwaters Collaboration. 

In the short term, Ms. Delahunt noted one of the key areas local residents will be able to see an improvement in at the local hospital is in digital software – something that will enable patients to book visits online, have access to results and see notes and information about their appointments at home.

Looking long-term, Kim mentioned the hospital was in the process of establishing a 10-year master plan, which will help to outline the future of the hospital and the services it hopes to provide over the next decade.

“We need to grow and bring more services that are truly needed to this community. We need to look at our population health needs, to determine what those services are that are needed and can actually be provided locally,” Ms. Delahunt previously informed the Citizen. “We're delivering a large number of babies at Headwaters, so perhaps we can look at that capacity, we can look at our operating rooms, and then even our emergency department. We're currently seeing double the number of patients that the ER department was originally built for.”

Regarding new programming, Ms. Delahunt was hesitant to speculate, but suggested there could be potential for additional diagnostic imaging, specifically relating to MRIs and CTs, and improved surgical capacity. She also mentioned the hospital has seen a marked increase in cancer care services provided to the community in recent years, so that could be another area for potential enhancement. More services for people suffering with mental health and addiction issues was also noted as a priority for the hospital.

“It's a really busy time at Headwaters hospital, I'm going to have my work cut out for me and I have some very big shoes to fill, but I'm excited to be here,” Mr. Delahunt said. “This is a committed group of staff and volunteers. Everyone is committed to ensuring Headwaters continues to be a highly respected hospital. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to play a part in that. This is an important stage for the hospital as we look to build for the future.”