The Registered Nurses’ Union (RNU) acknowledges the leadership transition at Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS), with Dr. Pat Parfrey stepping aside and Ron Johnson appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer.
RNU thanks Dr. Parfrey for his service to the province, including his leadership on the NL Health Accord, and for stepping forward to assist with the transition to a single health authority. Establishing NLHS represented a significant structural change within the public healthcare system.
RNU will work with Ron Johnson in his role as interim CEO and welcomes the opportunity to engage constructively during this transition period.
“We need stable, courageous leadership at the helm of NLHS,” said Yvette Coffey, RN, President of RNU. “Our healthcare system needs a full time, permanent leader with the ability and resolve to confront long standing issues, move beyond past failures, and deliver the progress that has been promised to nurses, other health professionals, the frontlines of our public healthcare system, and the patients we care for.”
RNU represents more than 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners who experience the impacts of leadership decisions every day across all sectors of public healthcare. That frontline perspective provides critical insight into what is required to stabilize services, retain staff, and improve care for patients and communities.
RNU remains committed to being a constructive partner and a trusted resource to both NLHS and government, with a shared interest in ensuring the health authority is positioned for long term success.
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About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador represents over 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners across the province, advocating for quality health care, safe working conditions, and respect for the nursing profession.
For more information, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Tel: (709) 691-6890
Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca