April 17, 2009 — Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) Board Chair Janet Ecker has announced that a search for a new President and Chief Executive Officer will begin.  
On Tuesday, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rik Ganderton asked the hospital’s board of directors to commence a search for his replacement. Ganderton will continue in his role during the next several months until his successor is in place. The Board has struck a search committee to hire a new President and CEO.

Ecker thanked Ganderton for his strong leadership and successful agenda of change. “When we brought Rik in, our hospital was facing serious difficulties on all fronts. A radical overhaul was needed. The Board has been very pleased with the progress that has been made under Rik’s leadership over the last two and a half years. We now have a stronger foundation to build on as we go forward.”

Ecker said: “For the first time since amalgamation (1998) RVHS has balanced its books and achieved a small surplus, from which we can start planning for reinvestments in our facilities. Rik led a series of challenging and successful initiatives during the last two years.” These included: a new strategic direction; a multi-year capital plan and major facility upgrades that are underway; completion of a mental health supportive housing project; a new birthing centre at the Rouge Valley Centenary campus; the major redevelopment of the Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering campus, which is well underway, on time and on budget.

Ecker  added, “Due to the hard work of Rik, his team, our volunteers, our physician leadership and the Board, we now have a culture of accountability.”  Ecker also cited the fact that the Central East Local Health Integration Network’s clinical services plan has recognized Rouge Valley’s role as a multi-site comprehensive community hospital and its leadership in cardiac care. “The groundwork has been laid for future clinical development and expansion,” she said.

Ganderton said: “I have achieved the major changes that I wanted to start at Rouge Valley. Thanks to a terrific team of staff, physicians, management and our Board, we have been able to get traction on quality improvements, a balanced budget and a growing sense of teamwork across our two hospital campuses. The time has come for me to move on to new challenges.”  Ganderton started with RVHS for an interim term in 2007.  “I am very proud to have had the opportunity to serve RVHS and I am very grateful for the incredible support provided by the board, medical staff,  and all the staff and volunteers. RVHS is a tremendous organization and has endless opportunities for a successful future.”

Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) — The best at what we do
RVHS is an excellent acute care community hospital with many programs, including 24/7/365 emergency, cardiac care and mental health. Rouge Valley consists of several health sites, including two community hospital campuses: Rouge Valley Centenary in east Toronto; and Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering in west Durham. Together, a team of physicians (224 general practitioners and 325 specialists), 1,000 nurses and many other professionals care for a broad spectrum of health conditions. Working in consultation and partnership with community members, other hospitals, health care organizations, the Central East Local Health Integration Network and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Rouge Valley continues to improve its programs and cater to the needs of the growing communities of east Toronto, Ajax, Pickering and Whitby.

Contact
David Brazeau
Director
Public Affairs and Community Relations
Rouge Valley Health System
(647) 294-8885
dbrazeau@rougevalley.ca