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Susan Brown has never forgotten what it's like to be on the front lines in health care.
Brown began her career as a nurse in Scotland. She steps into the role of President at Interior Health having served as Vice President since 2011, but it's her beginnings as a nurse that keep her grounded in her leadership style.
"It helps me ask the right questions," said Brown who sat down for an interview with KelownaNow just a few days after taking on her new role.
Brown takes over for Chris Mazurkewich who retired after surveys of employees at Interior Health revealed significant problems with morale. Brown doesn't come to the job with a list of big changes in mind, but she does come to it with assurances that employees will be heard.
"A well engaged work force helps with productivity and best patient care," said Brown. "I think people feeling valued in the work place is probably the number one thing."
Brown takes the helm at a time when demographics show that the number of people needing healthcare services will be putting a strain on budgets, but she doesn't see efficiencies coming from cutting back on administrative costs.
"There is no fat," said Brown, emphatically. Brown said Interior Health is more efficient than other health authorities in the province, and B.C. tends to operate more efficiently than other jurisdictions across the country. "When it comes to leadership we're very lean and I think in all departments."
Instead, Brown sees continued changes in how we care for seniors. "So right now we're really trying to so a shift toward wrap-around care in the community to keep seniors safe and at home."
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