Kevin Orrell named N.S. deputy health minister
SYDNEY — Dr. Kevin Orrell has been appointed deputy minister of the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
Premier Stephen McNeil announced the appointment Thursday.
Orrell has practised orthopedic surgery for 31 years in Cape Breton, where he grew up. He is a graduate of Dalhousie Medical School and has been an assistant professor with the university since 2007. For the past year, he has served as senior medical director for the Cape Breton Health Care Redevelopment project.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Dr. Orrell to this position and I look forward to working with him during this pivotal time in the redevelopment of our province’s health-care systems and infrastructure,” McNeil said in a news release. “He brings a wide range of experience that will help us continue to build a better healthcare system for Nova Scotians.”
Orrell was the successful candidate after an extensive search that attracted candidates from across Canada and internationally.
The appointment is effective March 30.
“Nova Scotia has provided me with the resources and opportunity to successfully practise orthopedic surgery for 31 years. In appreciation of that, I feel privileged to accept this leadership role to continue to help improve health-care delivery for the people of this province,” Orrell said.
Orrell has been the chief
of the division of orthopedic surgery at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital since 1989.
He has served as national president of the Canadian Orthopedic Association and past chair of the Canadian Orthopedic Foundation.
In 2015, Dr. Orrell completed a degree in masters of business administration in
community economic development from Cape Breton University.
In his role as senior medical director for the Cape Breton Health Care Redevelopment project, he has collaborated with family doctors, specialists, Nova Scotia Health Authority staff and the community so that the announced infrastructure projects meet current and future needs of patients.
Orrell was the team physician for the Cape Breton Oilers of the American Hockey League and is currently one of the team physicians for the Cape Breton Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.