Changes to VCH Senior Executive Team

Losing key people to our organization is never a good thing, whether it is front line staff or senior leaders. However, I recognize the need for people to move on to pursue new challenges and opportunities wherever that might be.

With that in mind, it is with mixed emotions that I announce the departure of two members of the VCH Senior Executive Team. Oliver Grüter-Andrew, our Chief Information Officer, has accepted a new position as President and CEO of E-Comm 9-1-1, the organization responsible for the processing of BC’s 9-1-1 emergency calls and the response of police, fire and ambulance resources to them. Oliver, who provides oversight to our IMITS operations on a Lower Mainland basis through PHSA, first came to the executive table in 2015 and has made a significant impact on the delivery of IMITS services within VCH. While delighted for Oliver and the opportunity that lies ahead of him, I am disappointed that we will lose his leadership and experience in an area critical to the continued success of our health system.  His last day with IMITS and VCH will be September 15. A decision on interim and future leadership for the IMITS function will be announced shortly.

Also leaving in the coming months is Paul Brownrigg, our Vice President of Clinical & Systems Transformation and Innovation. Paul joined us in 2014 to move our vision of transformation and innovation forward and he has done a wonderful job of advancing our strategies in areas ranging from telehealth and virtual care, to diagnostic imaging and CST. When Paul came to us, it was always on the basis of a term-position, meaning he would provide his services and expertise before choosing to move onto his next challenge. He feels the time is right to take that next step and will leave VCH in November to return to the world of healthcare consulting. A decision on the future leadership for Paul’s role will be made within the context of our overall transformational vision in the coming months.

There is no doubt their commitment, enthusiasm and dedication will be a loss to the SET table as well as VCH as a whole. Please join me in wishing them well for their next adventures.

Mary Ackenhusen
President and CEO