Tribute To Former Chair Dennis Cairns

SDHB Board Members Pay Tribute To Former Chair Dennis Cairns

The Southland District Health Board will meet for the first time today following the resignation of long serving Chair Dennis Cairns. Mr Cairns resigned in December 2008, after a seven year term as Chair of SDHB.

Susie Johnstone, SDHB’s Acting Chair, said today that Mr Cairns had been a dynamic leader.

"Whilst I have only had the privilege of working with Dennis for just over a year, I have had ample opportunity to observe first hand his principled approach to leadership and governance," said Ms Johnstone.

"Dennis brought to the board table those things most valued – common sense, business acumen and integrity - in spades. He led with a delightful mix of grit, charisma, intelligence, realism and experience that combined to get the best from those who worked with him."

"Dennis has always been focused on the best health outcomes for Southlanders and empathy with patients is threaded through his stance on every issue ."

Paul Menzies, Chair of the Hospital Advisory Committee and long standing SDHB Board member, paid further tribute to Mr Cairns.

"Dennis had a unique ability to mix strong leadership with strong loyalty," Mr Menzies said.

Further, Dennis’ strengths have been recognised at a national level and is held in the highest regard among the Chairs of the other DHBs and the Ministry of Health. The benefits that have accrued to our region, although unreported and largely unnoticed , have nevertheless been huge.

"His commitment has come at a personal cost and he has often suffered from ill informed and unwanted criticism.

"Dennis’ commitment to regional collaboration and his relationship with his Otago counterpart, Richard Thomson, has set a platform for future health services delivery in Otago and Southland from which we will all benefit."

"His departure leaves a gaping hole and he will be sorely missed," Mr Menzies said.

Background Information

2000 (August) – Dennis Cairns became Board member of Southern Health Limited.

2001 (July) Board member of transitional Southland District Health Board (SDHB).

2001 (December) – Appointed Chairman of SDHB.

2008 (December) resigns as Chairman of SDHB

Milestones/Events during leadership

2002 (July) Government approves the business case for a $70 million Southland Hospital

2003 (October) – Opening of the new Inpatient Mental Health Unit.

2003 Accreditation of Southland Mental Health Services by Quality Health New Zealand Ltd.

2004 (May) Telethon to raise funds for MRI and digital radiology system, following significant Invercargill Licensing Trust and Community Trust of Southland grants.

2004 (September) - Official opening of Southland Hospital.

2004 (September) Accreditation of Southland Hospital and Lakes District Hospital services by Quality Health New Zealand Ltd.

2006 – (May) Otago and Southland DHBs approve single laboratory provider for the region, saving over $4 million per annum.

2007 Southland and Otago DHBs establish the virtual shared services entity "Southern Alliance.", a Regional Executive Management Team and Regional Business Support Services.

2007 Regional Southern Blood and Cancer Service established with Otago and Southland DHBs, significantly improving access to blood and cancer services for patients across the region.

2007 Board initiates review of clinical governance across the DHB.

2008 (October) Appointment of a joint CEO for Otago and Southland DHBs (Brian Rousseau), formalising a new era of the DHBs working together for the well-being of one region.

ENDS

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