HSA Board searches for new CEO

Pastor Al Ebanks,
HSA Chairman of Board of
Directors

Friday, December 9, 2005

Interviews for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to head up the Health Services Authority (HSA) are scheduled to begin the week of 19 December.

In recent years, HSA has been described as something of a revolving door for CEOs as well as senior managers such as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Human Resource Director.

Hence the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Pastor Al Ebanks said the key elements in choosing a new CEO are stability as well as leadership.

“It is important for us to make sure that whoever is successful understands fully the challenges that face the Board and the CEO in working to ensure that both the short-term and long-term stability is retained” said Pastor Ebanks.

“Leadership is a key element in the success in anything that we do. We will be working closely together to navigate our way on the challenges facing the HSA.”

The new CEO will be facing numerous challenges including a $17 million budget deficit, $1.4 million in outstanding pension payments, and an excessive turnover among physicians and nursing staff.

There appears to have been a turning point in the previously low employee morale since Pastor Ebanks and Board members met with hospital staff to listen to their concerns.

In another move to improve morale the Board is giving $500 as a thank you to every HSA employee this month.

“Although we are not able to address all the financial issues facing our staff the Board is committed to making things right,” said Pastor Ebanks.

“The Board is very pleased to see the level of professionalism and commitment that exists within the hospital and we recognise the valuable work and service all the employees are doing. “

Pastor Ebanks added there is significant support for HSA from members of the general public.

“You normally don’t hear about the successes that we achieve, but on a day-to-day basis we are providing top quality care and treatment and patients are satisfied that they have received the highest quality care.” he said.

He added that partners in the community such as the insurance companies have discussed their expectations.

Pastor Ebanks is keeping tight-lipped on the candidates being interviewed and the qualifications the Board is looking for, but he said the goal is to finalise the decision on who will take over the CEO post in January 2006. He added they are also recruiting for a CFO and Human Resources Director but the focus right now is on recruiting for the CEO position.

By Shurna Robbins

shurna@caymannetnews.com

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