CKHA trims from the top

Eight managerial positions eliminated in restructuring

In an effort to streamline operations and reduce its operating deficit, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance has carved eight managerial positions out of its leadership tree.

Included in the reductions are two vice-president positions, one director, two managerial spots, two supervisory positions and the spiritual care provider.

Adam Topp, president and CEO of CKHA, said following an organizational review of operations, it was determined the hospital had to run more efficiently.

“There is a lot going on; a lot of competing demands; a lot of integration going on,” Topp said. “We’re trying to meet the demands of the community.”

Eliminated are:

• Vice-president of transformation;
• vice-president of mental health and addictions;
• director of professional practice and organizational development;
• a managerial position in support services;
• a managerial position in clinical operations;
• a supervisory position in community operations;
• a supervisory position in medical device reprocessing; and
• the spiritual care provider.

The moves, which Topp said weren’t provincially mandated, are anticipated to cut about $1 million per year out of the CKHA’s operating budget.

He added the organization still has a $5-million deficit.

CKHA officials declined to name names, citing privacy concerns.

Topp said none of the job cuts were due to performance issues, but stressed it was a result of the restructuring.

“This had nothing to do with the people in the roles, but rather how to move the organization forward,” he said. “The whole idea was to make us a little more streamlined.”

Not all positions were filled at the time of the reductions, Topp said. The vice-president of mental health and addictions, for example, was vacant. And it had become redundant.

“That position was a shared position with the Lambton Kent CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association). They hired their own CEO now, so we eliminated that position on our books,” he said. “The position still exists withing the community (through CMHA). We still stay very well connected with CMHA.”

The oversight for mental health and addictions at CKHA will fall to Caen Suni, vice-president of clinical programs and operations, Topp said.

“Caen having that role, he’s got the gamut of all clinical operations now,” Topp said.

Consistent with the priorities identified in CKHA’s new strategic plan, the chief human resources officer and the executive lead for equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism will both now report directly to the CEO, Topp said.

“We wanted to raise the profile of human resources. Most of our money is spent on people,” he said.

While the position of spiritual care provider has been eliminated, CKHA officials said patients and families will continue to receive compassionate, holistic care. Support will continue in partnership with local clergy and volunteers.