VANCOUVER – The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) announced that Leslie Arnold (pictured) will assume the role of president of BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre, while retaining her role as president of BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMSUS).

Arnold will step into the role currently held by Larry Gold, who is leaving to accept the position of president of the Detroit Medical Center Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

In her new role, Arnold will build on the hospitals’ leadership in advancing pediatric healthcare in BC and Canada. She will work closely with staff to continually improve care and promote clinical excellence while at the same time tackling the cost of care. A focus on research in pediatric diseases will continue to be a top priority.

“Under Leslie Arnold’s leadership, BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre will be assured their positions as leading pediatric hospitals and research centres,” said Carl Roy, Interim President & CEO of Provincial Health Services Authority. “Her demonstrated dedication to clinical quality and safety, as well as research and innovation, has earned her respect among the healthcare community in Canada.”

As the president of BCMSUS, and vice-president of PHSA, Arnold’s roles include child and adult programs. Prior to working in mental health, Arnold was the founder and director of Health Match, the director of the Health Employer’s Association of BC, the executive director for the BC Association of Community Care.

As assistant deputy minister for the Ministry of Social Services and Housing, Arnold’s responsibilities included all children’s services and she was the superintendent of Families and Children Services where she served as the guardian to all children who were in the Ministry’s care.

PHSA is committed to improving operational efficiencies at all levels while improving the quality of care for patients. Arnold’s expertise and background provide the opportunity to realize synergies between the two agencies.

BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre, and BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services are agencies of the Provincial Health Services Authority. These agencies provide specialized services for British Columbia’s most seriously ill patients.