Dunstan health boss resigns
CENTRAL Otago Health Services Ltd chief executive Karyn Penno says it is ‘‘with regret’’ she has resigned, for family reasons, from her role but has thanked the board and staff for their support.
Ms Penno’s resignation was announced in a statement from Dunstan Hospital’s operating company yesterday and was effective immediately.
The statement said ‘‘unfortunately the family issues that have kept chief executive Karyn Penno away from work recently have not resolved, so it is with regret she has made the difficult decision to resign from COHSL’’.
In the statement, Ms Penno said ‘‘Our organisation and our community deserve the full focus and attention of the chief executive. I can’t deliver that at the moment because I need to put my family first. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together over the last few years, and look forward to seeing what the future brings’’.
When contacted yesterday, Ms Penno said the board and staff of the company had been ‘‘incredibly supportive while I’ve been working through some family issues’’, and praised the‘‘family first’’ culture at the hospital.
‘‘I’ve absolutely loved my time with the amazing team at Dunstan, but I have to put my family first. But that’s always been the culture at Dunstan — it’s why we look after people so well, because we put everyone’s family first. So the board and staff have been incredibly supportive of me now putting my family first.’’
Chairman Allan Kane said the board regretted Ms Penno was unable to continue as chief executive, ‘‘but understands her need to prioritise her family. The excellent reputation that Dunstan has built for compassionate care is due to the team that Karyn has so ably led for the past seven years. I am pleased that we will not be losing her services completely’’.
Ms Penno would continue to be involved with key projects until a replacement was appointed, Mr Kane said. The projects would include the transition period following the move to bring radiology services inhouse at Dunstan, discussions over the Central Otago afterhours medical service, and contract and funding negotiations with the Southern District Health Board.
Dunstan Hospital director of nursing Debi Lawry has been appointed as acting chief executive, effective immediately, while the board seeks a replacement.