Pat Parfrey out as CEO of NLHS

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Pat Parfrey (pictured left) is no longer the CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services. Premier Tony Wakeham announced last month that effective immediately, Ron Johnson (pictured right) had been appointed as interim chief executive officer of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, replacing Dr. Patrick Parfrey “who is to be recognized for the long service and dedication he has provided to healthcare in our province.”

Ron Johnson most recently served as vice president of Digital Health, Innovation, and Research, as well as chief information officer for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

With nearly 30 years of progressive healthcare experience spanning front-line delivery to executive management, Ron has demonstrated comprehensive leadership across innovation, technology, and rural health initiatives, the government said.

Ron’s proven track record in strategic management and commitment to advancing health services highlight his suitability for this pivotal role.

In addition to executive leadership changes at Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, premier Wakeham also announced changes to the Board of Trustees of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

Former Health Minister Ross Wiseman was appointed as a Trustee and Interim Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.

Bob Andrews has agreed to remain on the Board as a Trustee, and we thank him for his dedicated service and leadership in strengthening health care across Newfoundland and Labrador during his tenure as Chairperson.

NLHS is the sole health authority in Newfoundland and Labrador since April 2023, largely due to the work of Parfrey, who in part recommended that the previous four regional health authorities merge into one.

He, along with Sister Elizabeth Davis, helped to steer the province’s Health Accord, a 10-year strategy to revamp the healthcare system.

At the time, Parfrey told reporters the job chose him. After his appointment, he told reporters he accepted the role because of his insight into the Health Accord.

CBC News asked Parfrey for a comment. He declined.