Single health region involves ‘very steep’ learning curve
But Saskatoon’s outgoing CEO expects minimal effects on front-line care
A single health region is not only the right choice for Saskatchewan, it is the only choice, says Saskatoon Health Region CEO Dan Florizone.
Florizone was appointed in 2015 to lead the province’s largest health region. His term ends today.
As of next week, Saskatchewan’s 12 health regions will be folded into a single Saskatchewan Health Authority led by former Saskatchewan Cancer Agency CEO Scott Livingstone.
Speaking with reporters after the Saskatoon Health Region’s final board meeting on Wednesday, Florizone said he opted not to seek a leadership role in the new health region because he felt his skills and passion are not what the organization needs.
He said he’s not ready to comment yet on what his future will hold.
“I think this is a real opportunity for a bit of a break, time for reflection and I’m not done yet in terms of following a new passion, so I’ll be seeking that out and hopefully in the new year (there’s) more to be said on that,” he said.
“I don’t have anything firm at this stage, but health care’s my passion,” he added.
During his time with the Saskatoon Health Region “the mantra was think and act as one,” he said. Having a bigger health organization presents many unique opportunities, but the next month could be tough for those taking the reins, he added.
“You’re looking at a situation where every single senior leader has a new job,” he said.
“There will be a bit of stability, but the senior leadership team, the entire team, they have new jobs. So the learning curve’s going to be very steep.”
Despite this, he said that he believes disruptions to patients and front-line staff will be “very minimal.”
He said initiatives spearheaded by the Saskatoon Health Region — including creating teams so managers need to spend less time on administrative work — will continue to be developed by the new health authority.
The government’s decision to amalgamate the province’s 12 health regions was based on a desire to reduce the amount of administration and governance in the system and ultimately save money.
In an earlier interview with the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, Livingstone said the old model created barriers for clinicians, staff and patients to receive proper, timely care.
The president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association has raised concerns that moving to a single health authority may diminish the voices of patients and physicians outside the major cities.
There will be a bit of stability, but the senior leadership team, the entire team, they have new jobs. So the learning curve’s going to be very steep.