The Board of Directors of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre (SBGHC) regrets to announce that the President & CEO Michael Barrett has elected not to renew his contract beyond its expiration date of March 31st, 2023.
“Michael has provided over four years of outstanding leadership to SBGHC through some very difficult times, especially during the COVID pandemic, and the current crisis associated with the province-wide shortage of health human resources. His extensive experience, along with his collaboration and communications skills, have advanced health care at SBGHC and throughout the region. He has also been a strong voice for rural health care at provincial tables” says Bill Heikkila, SBGHC Board Chair, “and while the Board of Directors is very willing to renew his contract, we completely understand Michael’s desire to spend more time closer to his family in London.”
During Michael’s tenure, a comprehensive Strategic Plan was developed and implemented, a regional Ontario Health Team (OHT) was created and approved, and a detailed Nursing Recruitment and Retention Action was developed and implemented for SBGHC.
In addition, working closely with the four hospital Foundations, SBGHC has seen substantial capital projects and improvements at all four of our sites, with more still in the works.
“Although the Board has offered to renew my contract, I have decided that I want to spend more time at home closer to my family and friends. I have been living away from home during the week for over four years now, and the time has come for me to be closer to home throughout the entire week. I care deeply about the staff, physicians, and Board, and have appreciated all of their support throughout my time with SBGHC,” says Barrett, “and I have committed to work with the Board to take all necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition to a new President & CEO.”
The recruitment process has been initiated with a goal of having a new President & CEO in place in time to allow a suitable overlap prior to Michael’s departure.
