SHA board of directors tight-lipped about former CEO’s departure

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is not releasing any details surrounding the departure of former chief executive officer Scott Livingstone last week.

During its regular board meeting Wednesday, chair Arlene Wiks was asked whether the former CEO received any package upon his departure, or was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Wiks told reporters: “There (are) no terms of his departure that we can disclose at this time.”

Wiks was also asked how the board intended to ensure transparency during the succession process. Wiks replied the board’s plan was being discussed during the open meeting.

Livingstone, former chief operating officer Suann Laurent and former board member Dr. Janet Tootoosis have all resigned or left their positions in the last few weeks.

Very little information has been publicly released about the departures.

During the meeting, interim CEO Andrew Will said he was “personally disappointed” Livingstone had “moved on,” but that he was humbled to take on a new role.

“As our first CEO, Scott helped us navigate the many challenges of being a young organization. He has also provided steady leadership throughout the pandemic. I want to join others in publicly thanking him for his service and for the culture of continuous improvement he helped foster in our organization,” Will said.

He added dealing with COVID and the health-care response has put pressure on every person who works in the SHA, from care staff to executives.

“I can say that our executive leadership team and our senior leadership team is still committed to our continued efforts,” he said. “I would say everybody is doing well.

“We’re excited about some of the down-trending we’re seeing with COVID numbers. We’re obviously mindful that a fifth wave could come and we’re also mindful that there’s a lot of unmet needs for our non-COVID patients as well.”

When asked whether the Ministry of Health or Health Minister Paul Merriman may have attempted to recently influence the structure of the SHA executive team as the NDP says it has been hearing, Wiks replied: “Not at this time that I’m aware of.”

Infrastructure management executive director Derek Miller will take over Will’s former role as vice-president of infrastructure, information and support, and will also share emergency response duties with integrated rural health physician executive Dr. Kevin Wasko.

“Derek and Kevin will work together … where they share accountability for emergency response to COVID,” added Will.

John Ash will fill in as the emergency operations centre commander while Miller is acting VP. The COO position remains vacant at this time.