On Wednesday, The Saskatchewan Health Authority Board held its first meeting since the departure of its CEO. 

A press release sent out last week by the SHA said Scott Livingstone had “left his position” effective immediately. However few details about his departure were released. 

During the board meeting, very few questions were answered about the situation due to confidentiality. 

“Discussions between Scott and the board over his decision to move on from his role is a privileged personnel matter,” said SHA Board chairperson Arlene Wiks.  

“I'm hopeful we can focus on the positive impact he has had on our health system and on the health leaders around him.” 

Andrew Will, who was the Vice President of Infrastructure, Information and Support for the SHA, is taking over the role of interim CEO until a successor can be found. 

Sitting in on his first board meeting as CEO, Will recognized he has big shoes to fill. 

“He has provided me significant mentorship over the years and I have valued his leadership. I was pleased with the recognition he has received from the board and many others for his leadership during very challenging times,” Will said of Livingstone. 

Organizationally, Emergency Operations Centre Commander Derek Miller will be taking Will’s position as interim Vice President of Infrastructure, Information and Support and John Ash, co-lead of the Emergency Operations Centre Defence Strategy, will move into the commander role. 

The SHA is also looking to strengthen its emergency response to COVID-19 by making it a joint effort between Miller and Physician Executive for Rural Integrated Health Dr. Kevin Wasko. 

“Derek and Kevin will work together in a dyad model where they share accountabilities for our emergency response to COVID,” Will said.  

“This is consistent with our approach at multiple levels of our organization and our COVID response structure, where we have paired physicians and administrative leaders at key roles to ensure both clinical and operational expertise are factored into decision making.” 

It was also announced that Karen Earnshaw, Vice President of Integrated Rural Health, will take on the role of head of mental health services with the SHA.