SBGHC VP appointed president, CEO of Wellington County hospitals

MOUNT FOREST – North Wellington Health Care (NWHC) and Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH) officials have announced the appointment of a new president and chief executive officer.

Angela Stanley takes over from Stephen Street, who is retiring, on Sept. 20.

“Choosing a president and CEO was one of the most important activities our boards could undertake,” NWHC board chair Dale Small stated in a July 29 press release.

“We are confident that Angela has the right leadership qualities, clinical knowledge and experience to help build on the organization’s standard for excellence.”

Officials say Stanley, who is currently vice-president of clinical services and chief nursing executive at South Bruce Grey Health Centre (SBGHC), “brings 15 years of progressive executive leadership, clinical experience and a passion for rural health care.”

She has held similar positions in three community hospitals, in addition to holding an interim CEO role at Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance.

Stanley has also worked in long-term care homes, public health and early in her career was a patient care manager at NWHC. She was a NWHC board member (2020/21) and took a leave of absence to participate in the recruitment process.

“I am honoured and excited to become the next President and CEO of GMCH and NWHC,” stated Stanley.

“I have a passion for rural health care, and I am a strong advocate for the role community hospitals play in the larger health care system. I am looking forward to working with the staff, physicians and our network of partners to continue to deliver compassionate care to our patients and their families.”

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and a Master of Nursing Leadership. She is a graduate of the advanced health care leadership program from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. She is also completing the Master of Business Administration program at Athabasca University.

“Angela has a track record of establishing high performing teams,” stated GMCH board chair Gilles Madore.

“She is passionate about supporting the growth and development of people and believes that this is one of the most important functions for a leader. Angela distinguished herself as a champion of patient and family-centred care and we look forward to welcoming her back to NWHC and GMCH.”

Stanley was selected by a GMCH/NWHC committee with representatives from each board, hospital staff and a professional staff member, following what officials call “a nationwide search.”

Reaction from SBGHC

Michael Barrett, president and CEO of SBGHC, said in an interview with the Walkerton Herald-Times, “We’re very pleased Angela will be able to realize her leadership skills in another organization. We’re happy for her.”

He said the immediate objective of SBGHC will be to begin the recruiting process, to “get another strong person in place.”

Barrett noted that while Stanley has been with SBGHC for a relatively short period of time, since January 2020, she has “made great progress in the area of professional practice, and in laying the groundwork for accreditation next spring.”

He said the one thing management heard the most from staff was the need for training and education, to ensure they have the skills they need. Stanley has focused a lot of attention on professional practice. Barrett noted that Holly Al, professional practice and education co-ordinator, will continue Stanley’s work in this area.