Published Tuesday 22 May 2018

The Capital and Coast DHB Board today congratulated Dr Ashley Bloomfield (pictured) on his appointment to the role of Director-General of Health, and is pleased to announce former Whanganui DHB chief executive Julie Patterson as interim chief executive to replace Dr Bloomfield.

Andrew Blair – chair of both Capital & Coast and Hutt Valley DHBs – thanked Dr Bloomfield for his leadership across the DHB since the beginning of the year.

“CCDHB has been fortunate enough to secure former Whanganui DHB chief executive Julie Patterson as interim chief executive to replace Dr Bloomfield, whose appointment begins on June 11,” Mr Blair said.

Ms Patterson was chief executive of Whanganui DHB until October last year, and has held a range of senior health sector leadership roles including at the Ministry of Health and Nelson-Marlborough DHB.

“We are delighted that Julie can step into the role at short notice to support Ashley’s departure. She brings a range of skills as an experienced leader who will work closely with her counterparts at Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and the other central region DHBs.”

Mr Blair said Dr Bloomfield has demonstrated strong and effective leadership at Hutt Valley DHB, where he was chief executive from 2015 until his secondment to CCDHB.

“In his short six-month tenure here at CCDHB we’ve benefited from his leadership and direction and desire to work with health leaders across our regions to co-ordinate planning for future health service delivery.”

Mr Blair is pleased that Dale Oliff will also continue as acting chief executive at Hutt Valley DHB, a role she took up in January following Dr Bloomfield’s secondment.

The Boards of both Hutt Valley and Capital and Coast DHBs are focused on the recruitment process around the vacancies.

Ms Patterson said she was looking forward to taking up the role at CCDHB and added her congratulations to Dr Bloomfield.

“I am thrilled for Ashley. His appointment will be really well received by our sector. I am now looking forward to working with CCBHB leaders and staff to continue on the excellent direction the organisation is taking,” she said.

Media contact: Chas Te Runa – 027 230 9571