News Releases

RQHR President & CEO to Retire at End of 2012

(June 25, 2012)

The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region’s President and CEO, Dwight Nelson, announced today that he will be retiring from the organization at the end of 2012, after 11 successful years at the helm of the second largest health region in the province.

“Over the past 11 years, RQHR has made great strides in fulfilling its commitment to the people of Regina and southern Saskatchewan. I have greatly enjoyed leading such a talented staff of health care providers to the strong and sustainable position within the province’s health care system we have achieved and now hold,” said Nelson.

“However, the role of CEO for a health region this large does not allow extensive time to commit to family and volunteer pursuits. There are a number of personal opportunities I would like to pursue at this time, as well as supporting my family as they take new career strides. Retirement will afford me with the time required to focus on these personal priorities,” he said.

Lloyd Boutilier, Chairperson of the Regina Qu’Appelle Regional Health Authority said, “While we respect Dwight’s decision, the board of RQHR certainly regrets the loss of his leadership. We are pleased that he has agreed to stay until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition and to help launch a number of key activities, including the planning for our new Plains Surgery and Outpatient Care Centre.”

“We will greatly miss Dwight’s dedication and commitment, and thank him for the investment he has made in the future of the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region and health care throughout southern Saskatchewan,” he said.

Boutilier said Nelson has created a strong legacy, and leaves RQHR well positioned to continue to move into the future. Nelson’s accomplishments include:

• bringing together three separate health districts into a single new health region in 2002;
• a decade of balanced budgets;
• the recruitment of hundreds of new health professionals to RQHR, and the implementation of enhancements to training, such as the new simulation centre;
• improvements in care options for patients, through the establishment of innovations such as the Surgical Assessment Centre; and
• internal leadership, in strategic planning processes and the Living Our Values framework, which has been recognized nationally with a mentorship award this month from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, and a 2008 Regent’s Award for senior health leadership in Canada.

Nelson said he is confident that RQHR will continue to build on its successes in the coming years.

“Every day, staff, management, physicians and other health care providers in RQHR demonstrate their commitment to providing the best quality of care to the people of Regina and southern Saskatchewan,” Nelson said. “I have been honoured to serve with so many talented individuals providing such a valuable public service with passion and dedication. I am confident they will continue to move the region forward successfully in its journey to create the best possible health care experience for the people we serve.”

RQHR’s board plans to commence a national recruitment search for the region’s next President and CEO shortly.

For more information, contact: