The provincially appointed supervisor for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is hoping to be wrapped up by the end of March.
Rob Devitt said he’s hoping to rescind his order from the Ministry of Health, once the new board of directors is trained and in place.
“I tend to be a little hyperactive maybe and I wish it could’ve moved quicker,” Devitt said during a meeting with the media on Tuesday.
By the end of March Devitt’s appointment will have lasted 18 months.
“It took the time it took and I probably needed to take the time,” Devitt said.
“It was complicated. I think we’re on the right path. I’m really optimistic about where we’re going with the board and I think we’ve got some good talent there, so I’m very optimistic.”
Devitt said some good talent is included among the 32 applicants who are vying for a spot on the new 12-person board.
“In some ways the next few weeks are the more mundane parts… the strategy, the visioning of the campus, that’s fun… going through resumes and picking people is not my thing as much, although it is crucial and very important,” he said.
“It will be good to get the organizations back on its own independent track.”
Devitt said a coach will be in place at the CKHA, once he leaves.
“I think that is a really important piece because having that other voice, who is not me, is important to let the board or the new management know where they could improve, where there may be remnants of old culture leaking back in, it will be very helpful. It’s just a way to make sure its sustainable.
Devitt said he is working through the final stages to have the coach in place.
Overall, Devitt said he is pleased with what has been accomplished during his time at the CKHA.
“I’m so impressed by the team here… the staff, the physicians, the volunteers, management,” he said.
“They have been delightful to work with and they have been through a ton of change in a very short time period. They’ve proven to be incredibly resilient and tolerating of a lot of change. Although, part of that is what they came from… this change is tough, but it is better than what they came from. I found it very motivating and very hopeful.”
Devitt said he will miss the work in one sense, as he found it interesting.
“But I made a very deliberate decision to retire a few years ago with a very deliberate plan. I fell off the wagon for a period of months, but I’m glad to go back to my plan. I think my family will appreciate having a little more Rob time, although give it a few weeks and my wife may change her tune.”
Devitt said he will write his final report and submit it to the Ministry, before spending more time with his family and his mountain bike.
Devitt’s appointment stems from a recommendation from an investigator’s report by Bonnie Adamson, who was assigned to investigate the CKHA back in June of 2016.
– Photo credit: Aaron Hall
