Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem announced today the appointment of Keith Dewar as Chief Executive Officer of the new Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
The new health authority is being established as part of a health system restructuring initiative that will realign primary and secondary services in organizations dedicated to their complementary roles. The PHSA will include most provincial secondary acute, mental health and addictions services offered by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Prince County Hospital, Hillsborough Hospital and the Provincial Addictions Facility. Responsibility for primary health and social services which prevent, reduce and manage health problems will remain with the four regional health authorities.
Minister Ballem advised that Mr. Dewar will lead the development of the new organization in collaboration with the health regions and the Department of Health and Social Services. "Keith has a sound understanding of the health system and strong management skills," said the minister. "With his proven experience in assisting organizations in assessing environmental trends and responding to them, we are pleased to welcome him back as we continue to implement the strategic direction we have set as a health system."
Mr. Dewar said he is looking forward to his new position. "The health system has one of the largest and most skilled workforces in the province. I look forward to working with them to ensure the continued relevance and future sustainability of a system which is so highly valued by all Islanders," he said.
Mr. Dewar has been vice-president of finance and human resources at Holland College since 1995, during which time he has played a key role in the evolution of the college. Prior to this, he worked as a director of finance, corporate and administrative services with the East Prince Health Region and the Prince County Hospital, and as a senior manager with KPMG, a national accounting and management consulting firm.
Mr. Dewar became a chartered accountant in 1983, after receiving his Masters of Business Administration from Dalhousie University in 1979. He has held positions with several local and national boards and organizations including the Holland College Foundation, the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, and the Atlantic Provinces Community Colleges Consortium.
He now lives in Summerside with his wife Audrey and their four children where he is actively involved in several organizations such as the Prince County Hospital Foundation, Scouts Canada, and local soccer, basketball and track teams.
Mr. Dewar will assume his new duties this month.