The GBHS Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Sims to the position of President and CEO. Sims will take on the role for the corporation’s six hospitals and addiction treatment facility mid-November 2019.
Sims has over 30 years of healthcare experience, and is currently the President & CEO of Blanche River Health. In this role, Sims has provided leadership and oversight of the amalgamation of two hospitals – the Kirkland and District Hospital and Englehart and District Hospital. He is also the North East LHIN regional lead and acting CIO overseeing IT projects in hospitals across the NE LHIN. Sims has served as President and CEO of Deep River and District Hospital, as well as St. Joseph’s at Fleming, a 200 bed long-term care home in Peterborough.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Gary to GBHS and to our community,” said Brenda Kearney, Chair, GBHS Board of Directors. “As a corporation serving a very large geographical region, our Board was seeking a strong leader who understands the challenges of rural and multi-site healthcare. We believe Gary has the skills, the expertise, and the passion to lead and grow GBHS, and ensure that we continue to deliver quality patient care across Grey Bruce.”
Sims started his career as a Registered Nurse, and worked as a Director of clinical programs including Surgery and Women and Child Care. In addition to his BScN, Sims holds a Masters of Education and is a graduate of the Advanced Health Care Leadership Program at Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto.
Sims’ extensive understanding of the health care system and experience in Ontario Health Team (OHT) assessments will be beneficial to GBHS as the organization works with regional partners towards the formation of an OHT later this Fall. Sims’ excellent communication skills and collaborative approach will also serve GBHS well as the corporation gets ready to launch a new strategic planning process next year, and moves into the final stages of planning for the new hospital in Markdale.
Interim President and CEO Jo Flewwelling will continue in her role until Sims’ arrival to ensure a seamless transition. The GBHS Board thanks Flewwelling for her leadership during this period.
