Hurst appointed President & CEO for Regional Health Centre

North Bay General Hospital
News Release

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The Boards of both the North Bay General Hospital (NBGH)
and the Northeast Mental Health Centre (NEMHC) continue to work towards full amalgamation of the two organizations and the creation of a new, progressive and unique hospital to be known as the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

The two organizations have been partners in the planning and construction of the new North Bay Regional Health Centre, which is scheduled to open for patient care on January 30, 2011. Originally, the partner hospitals were to occupy this new health centre as two separate organizations with specific mandates. However, over time, and as the two organizations worked closely together to plan the new facility, efficiencies were achieved by integrating common services such as Food and Nutrition Services, Environmental Services, Clinical Records, Information Systems, Public Relations, etc. As a result of several discussions separately and together, the Boards realized that a full amalgamation was the best long-term model and voted unanimously to proceed.

"Things are moving ahead quickly," stated Phil Geden, Chair of the NBGH Board and Co-Chair of the Amalgamation Steering Committee. "As part of the plan and to help prepare the organizations for this amalgamation, the Boards have appointed Mark Hurst as the President and CEO of both the NBGH and the NEMHC effective immediately."

Also effective immediately, Robert (Bob) Cunningham, previously President and CEO of the NEMHC, has been appointed as the Executive Vice President for both NBGH and NEMHC and the Chief Amalgamation Officer (CAO).

"We congratulate both Mark and Bob on their new roles and their continued efforts to ensure our organizations provide the best possible health care to our patients," explained Mary Tasz, Chair of the NEMHC Board.

"We are very grateful to Mark and Bob for overseeing the important steps involved in this amalgamation and for their leadership in the creation of a new organization," stated Kathrine Eckler, NEMHC Board member and Co-Chair of the Amalgamation Steering Committee.

Upon approval of the North East Local Health Integration Network and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care the Boards are aiming for official amalgamation by April 1, 2011.

The mandate of the North Bay Regional Health Centre as an acute care district referral hospital and a regional specialized mental health centre will make it a progressive and unique health facility in Canada.

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