The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is set to have a new chief nursing executive and vice-president of transformation.
Meredith Whitehead, who has worked as the chief nursing information officer with Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie, will move into the role on Aug. 16. Whitehead is replacing Lisa Northcott, who is retiring this year.
According to the Chatham-Kent hospital’s CEO and president, Lori Marshall, there was an extensive national search process.
“I am thrilled to welcome Ms. Whitehead to our senior leadership team where she will take on the new role of vice-president, transformation and chief nursing executive,” said Marshall. “Her achievements demonstrate a commitment to patient-centred care, advancing evidence-informed practice and building relationships.
"I know her skills and knowledge will be a great asset to CKHA as we embark on our next steps as an organization.”
Whitehead has been a registered nurse for more than 15 years, including a decade in leadership roles in professional practice, operations and informatics. With her role at the health centre in Barrie, she led a clinical systems strategy for four hospital partners.
“I can’t tell you how delighted I am to be joining the community and to be working and leading collaboratively,” said Whitehead. “I am excited to bring my experience to the organization and equally delighted to build new and excellent relationships.”
Whitehead graduated from the Nipissing University and Canadore College collaborative program in North Bay in 2006. She completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing and then her master’s degree in nursing from York University in 2010.
She also sits on the Nursing Leadership Network of Ontario board and is a former executive board member for the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO).
According to Marshall, Whitehead’s international certifications in both change and project management will be a valuable asset to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and local health-care delivery.
Marshall also thanked Northcott for her work with the hospital organization.
“She has provided exceptional leadership to us over the years and will be dearly missed,” Marshall said. “We extend our gratitude to Ms. Northcott for her remarkable 34 years of service to (the health alliance) and the community.”
Bird Bouchard, Local Journalism Initiative, Ridgetown Independent News. The LJI is a federally funded program.
