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Mental Health General Manager Resigns
31 July 2007
Mental Health General Manager Resigns
Chris Harris, general manager of Waikato District Health Board's Mental Health and Addiction Services, has resigned.
Mr Harris has accepted a position as chief executive for Spectrum Care Trust, one of the country's largest providers of care for children, young people and adults with an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder. The organisation, which employs 1000 people, supports people living in residential homes in the community throughout the greater Auckland/Waikato area.
"The role excites me and I look forward to making a positive contribution to the development of services," said Mr Harris, who started with Waikato DHB in April 2000.
"I want to acknowledge the genuine sadness and heartache that has accompanied my decision to move beyond the mental health sector.
"This has not been an easy role but I have been buoyed by the commitment, passion and dedication of staff and their determination to make a positive difference to the quality of life and recovery for service users and their families/whanau.
"I have really enjoyed the opportunity to be part of so many important forums that influence the workforce development, quality, health equity, emergency planning and governance responsibilities of the organisation and to recognise the determination of clinical and management staff as they face the massive challenges of meeting general public health expectations in a resource constrained and politically tenuous environment," he said.
Waikato DHB health services general manager Jan Adams said Mr Harris had made a huge contribution to the mental health sector and led a team that was well poised for further growth, development and service improvement.
"On a personal note I have enjoyed working with Chris and wish him well for the future in what will be a demanding role which he will relish," said Mrs Adams. Mr Harris finishes on October 26.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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