Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH) has a new president and chief executive officer.
Sarah Downey, who is presently serving as the executive vice president, clinical programs at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), will officially take on her new role at the helm of the east-end hospital on April 1, 2015.
As part of the transition plan, she will start working at TEGH on February 23, 2015.
Downey succeeds Ron Devitt, who has served as the local hospital’s president and CEO since January 2004.
"I’m delighted to be joining the TEGH team," Downey said in a release.
"I’ve chosen to raise my family in East Toronto and it’s an honour for me to lead my community hospital. TEGH is recognized for the excellence of its patient care, I look forward to being part of the TEGH leadership team and continuing the journey towards setting a new standard in quality and value."
Eric Tripp, TEGH’s chair of the board, made the announcement.
"I know I speak for everyone on the Board when I say how delighted we are that Sarah will be joining our team at Toronto East General Hospital in the role as President and CEO," Tripp said.
"In her previous roles, she has led change initiatives that have enhanced the quality of care for patients. Her strategic thinking and planning and proven leadership make Sarah the right person to lead TEGH as we head into a new era of care, particularly as we embark on our redevelopment project."
Downey’s career in health care spans two decades and includes working in both academic health science centres and in complex multi-institutional organizations.
While at CAMH, she oversaw several initiatives that advanced the quality of care for patients, notably the launch of the Integrated Care Pathways; the establishment of the Slaight Centre for Youth in Transition; and planning for clinical facilities in the next stage of CAMH’s redevelopment.
She has also held senior leadership positions at University Health Network’s Princess Margaret Hospital where she was responsible for the clinical and support services operations of Canada’s largest comprehensive cancer centre.
Downey, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Health Administration degree from the University of Ottawa, also holds a Certified Health Executive designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders.
Further, she serves on the board of directors at WoodGreen Community Services and was previously on the board of Community Care East York.
-Joanna Lavoie