Departure of Director-General of Health Huge Loss

Departure of Director-General of Health Huge Loss to Health System; Risk of Meek Health Leadership

“Director-General of Health Stephen McKernan’s decision not to seek re-appointment is a huge loss to the health system,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“Since his appointment nearly four years ago Mr McKernan has proven to be an outstanding Director-General of Health. He significantly reshaped the direction of the Health Ministry making it much more operationally and practically focussed rather than simply an advisory and regulatory body. Under his leadership the Health Ministry has become much more relevant to district health board and the rest of the health system. He has improved the quality of the Ministry’s engagement with the various professional associations, unions and other organisations.”

“Mr McKernan’s departure will create shock waves at various levels in the health system and the Health Ministry. His integrity, professionalism, leadership skills, experience and courage have made him a remarkable leader The health system desperately needs to retain instead of lose him, especially at a time when it is undergoing major change.”

“One of his many strengths is his preparedness to give health ministers the advice they may not want to hear. This is an essential part of the robust relationship between chief executives and cabinet ministers that governments benefit from, especially with restructuring underway.”

“We hope that Mr McKernan’s surprise decision is not due to political opposition or negativity. Otherwise it will send an intimidating message to his successor, other Health Ministry officials, and district health board leaders to tailor their advice to what they think their political masters want to hear. The health system will suffer if this is the outcome.”

“While biblically it might be appropriate that the meek should inherit the earth, do we really want the meek to inherit the leadership of the health system,” concluded Mr Powell.

ENDS