Health PEI names new interim CEO amid family doctor challenges

Prince Edward Island has announced a major leadership change at the province’s health authority.

Laurae Kloschinsky is taking over as interim chief executive officer, effective immediately, according to a Wednesday news release.

Officials say she is an experienced senior health-care executive and pharmacist who has worked closely with partners and providers across the Island.

She also has “extensive experience” in project and change management, communication strategies, technology implementation, and innovation to increase system stability and sustainability.

Kloschinsky also serves as the assistant deputy minister of mental health and addictions with the province.

She replaces Melanie Fraser, who previously served as Health PEI’s CEO.

Acting Health Minister Cory Deagle credits Fraser with helping to recruit more health-care professionals to P.E.I.

The province says it will work closely with Health PEI’s board of directors to appoint a permanent CEO.

“Our focus remains on supporting the healthcare professionals delivering care across Prince Edward Island and improving access to care for Islanders,” said Premier Rob Lantz in the release.

“I have confidence that the leadership team at Health PEI will stay focused on the healthcare priority of Islanders—access to quality healthcare services provided by a dedicated team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and allied health professionals.”

Physicians leave practices

Fraser’s departure comes after three physicians recently announced plans to leave, close or retire from their practices, affecting thousands of patients.

More than 33,000 people are already on Health PEI’s waitlist for a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Dr. Heather Austin, a family physician in Summerside, plans to close her practice and move back to Nova Scotia.

She told CTV National News that operating within the system has become increasingly challenging, particularly in the last year, in part due to the health authority’s treatment of her and colleagues.

With files from CTV News’ Maria Sarrouh

For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.