Interim Chief Executive appointed
Jenny Black, Nelson Marlborough District Health Board Chair, has announced the appointment of Lexie O’Shea as interim Chief Executive (CE) for Nelson Marlborough Health (NMH). 
Ms O’Shea is the current NMH General Manager Clinical Services and Ms Black’s announcement today follows her 23 December 2020 announcement of current NMH CE Peter Bramley’s resignation to take up the position as CE of Canterbury DHB in February.
In a message to NMH staff this morning Ms Black said: “I am delighted to confirm Lexie’s appointment – as our current GM Clinical Services and former Deputy CEO/Chief Operating Officer at Southern DHB, Lexie has what it takes to maintain momentum this year. It is critical that we maintain the pace and quality of planning and action towards our big goals – the redevelopment of Nelson Hospital, the Ki Te Pae Ora programme – and continue to provide high-quality care.
“Lexie knows NMH well, knows the wider health system well and is part of a great Executive Leadership Team who will be with her every step of the way.”
Ms O’Shea’s start date is 2 February and Dr Bramley will be available to support her throughout February as required. Ms Black also clarified the nature of the ‘interim’ appointment.
“Lexie is not in an acting position; she will have the same delegations and responsibilities as Peter. My Nelson Marlborough District Health Board member colleagues and I decided it best to appoint an interim Chief Executive until the time that we, among all DHBs, have clarity from the Government about the next steps for the Health and Disability System Review.
“The review recommendations were released in June 2020, when Cabinet accepted the case for health system reform, and the general direction of the review report and recommendations. We are now waiting for decisions about individual recommendations from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.”