Seasoned Health Sector Manager Appointed

Seasoned Health Sector Manager Appointed

A seasoned health sector manager has been appointed to lead one of the country's largest and most respected general practice groups.

Vince Barry, a former mental health clinician who entered health management in 1993, has been appointed to the newly created role of CEO of Pegasus Health.

Mr Barry will join the organisation later this year, ahead of the departure of current Managing Director Dr Paul McCormack.

"We are delighted to be able to confirm Mr Barry as our new CEO," says Pegasus Health Chair Dr Martin Seers.

"His depth of experience across a variety of key health sector management roles through a number of years brings the sort of leadership that has been fundamental to Pegasus’ success through its 16 year history.

"Dr McCormack signaled his intent to leave Pegasus 18 months ago, and during that time the board has been through an extensive executive search process to fill the new CEO role. We are very pleased that Mr Barry will have the opportunity to work alongside Dr McCormack for some time before his departure."

Dr Seers says Mr Barry’s clinical background is important for an organisation with such a strong focus on clinical leadership.

"Over the years we have built a skilled and experienced senior management team supported by sound infrastructure. At its heart, however, Pegasus Health remains a clinically directed and clinically led organisation. The reason we exist is to support doctors, nurses and practice teams in providing the best care they possibly can to patients, and to ensure robust general practice services for the people of Christchurch."

Mr Barry’s most recent role has been as a General Manager with the Canterbury District Health Board.

"While much of my career has been spent in secondary care, I am very aware of the pivotal role general practice plays across the health sector. General practice teams can make such a difference to the health of not only their own patients but the communities they work in," says Mr Barry.

"I feel both privileged and excited about being a part of general practice at a time of so many opportunities and challenges.

"We look forward to Mr Barry starting with Pegasus Health later on this year," says Dr Seers, "and to having the opportunity also to recognise the enormous contribution that Dr McCormack has made to the general practice community?" and indeed the wider health sector - in his many years in leadership roles with the organisation."

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