BUBELA RETIRING AS HOSPITALS CEO COME THE END OF THE YEAR
MUSKOKA — Local hospitals will be under new direction in the new year as they face more of the pandemic after president and CEO Natalie Bubela tendered her retirement notice last night.
Bubela, who has headed up the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) since January 2011, will be leaving at the end of December.
MAHC’s board of directors got the news at a special meeting Thursday, says a release Friday.
“Natalie has achieved many successes at the helm of MAHC,” said Cameron Renwick, board chair. “During her tenure at MAHC, she has faced challenges with grace, balancing the complexities of sustainable health care delivery in a multi-site medium-sized community hospital with an unwavering focus on what is best for the patient.
“I know I speak for the entire board along with past directors in sincerely thanking her for everything she has done at MAHC and for health care in Muskoka and area.”
Under her leadership, says the release, MAHC has seen the expansion of clinical services to include additional surgical specialties, virtual critical care, and programs like the Seniors Assessment and Support Outreach Team, improved health care technology through an electronic medical record, and secured financial health.
She also led the organization through two Accreditation Canada surveys, two critical stages of future redevelopment capital planning, and countless innovations, renovations and initiatives that enhance hospital care locally.
“Throughout Natalie’s time at MAHC, her personal concern and support for our staff, credentialed staff and volunteers has had a measurable impact on the hospital workplace, and has extended beyond the hospital walls to our community of health care partners and stakeholder relations,” said Renwick.
“It has been a privilege to lead this incredible team of dedicated people striving to provide the best care to this community and to each other,” she said.
“I am grateful for the support I have received over the years, and thank our community, the Foundations, Auxiliary volunteers, Board of Directors and the many partners that have helped shape health care in North Simcoe Muskoka. I have learned and grown from these interactions and the many experiences.”
In 2016, Bubela received the Board Award of Excellence, a crowning accomplishment to her career at MAHC. She leaves behind a lasting legacy, reflected in her commitment to patient safety and high-quality health care and evidenced by her many achievements, and strong work ethic and values.
The board will be discussing next steps in a competitive recruitment process at its regular meeting Thursday, Sept. 9.
MAHC manages the Bracebridge South Muskoka Memorial Hospital and Huntsville District Memorial Hospital.
