Auckland health community thanks Lester Levy for leadership

The Auckland Metro District Health Boards expressed their thanks to outgoing Chairman Dr Lester Levy for his service and leadership, at a cross-DHB staff event in North Shore Hospital today.

Dr Levy, who is departing as Chair of all three DHBs after almost nine years, was heralded for championing collaboration across the Auckland Metro DHBs and lifting the volume and quality of healthcare provided across the region.

In a letter to staff, Dr Levy explained that he was departing as Chair to avoid any potential conflict between these roles and his recent appointment by new Health Minister David Clark as one of five key advisers on the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Health System.

Waitemata District Health Board Chief Executive Dr Dale Bramley paid tribute to the extraordinary contribution of Levy, who has been Chair of the DHB since June 2009.

"In the almost-nine years that Dr Levy has been chair of Waitemata DHB, he has overseen significant developments across our governance, our staffing, our services and our facilities," Bramley said.

"Dr Levy's passion, drive and will to make things happen have been integral to lifting both the volume and quality of healthcare provided to the Waitemata community."

“The health outcomes and experience of care that patients received have lifted considerably as a result and we all owe Dr Levy a debt of gratitude.”

Acting Chief Executive of Counties Manukau Health Dr Gloria Johnson recognised Dr Levy’s long term contribution to the health of South Auckland.

“Although Lester has only been our Chair for the past year, his association with South Auckland goes back to the 1990s, when he was Chief Executive of South Auckland Health (now Counties Manukau Health). Lester has always been a firm advocate for the needs of the South Auckland community.”

Auckland District Health Board Chief Executive Ailsa Claire also took the opportunity to thank the outgoing Chair for his service and dedication to Auckland health.

“Lester cares deeply about quality of care, patient safety and staff wellbeing,” said Ms Claire.

“As Chair of Auckland DHB, he has been a tireless supporter of the initiatives we have undertaken to improve the experience of our patients, improve the safety and quality of their care, and create a healthier and more supportive working environment for our people.”

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