OK, there are two things wrong with that headline.

First, we no longer have a DHB. Second, what we do have — an administrative branch the Health Ministry that delivers hospital services locally — doesn’t have a CEO.

But we now do have David Warrington, Group Director of Operations for Hospital and Specialist Services, who reports to Russell Simpson, Regional Director, Hospital and Specialist Services – Central Region.

Just so we don’t muck this up any further, here is the announcement from Mr Simpson:

“A new Group Director of Operations for Hospital and Specialist Services has been appointed in Hawke’s Bay Te Matau a Māui.

“David Warrington will commence in the role on 1 August 2024.

“David is an experienced health leader with a clinical background in nursing. He started his career in the late 1990s with Otago District Health Board before moving on to Australia and working in senior roles for Melbourne Health. He joined the then Hawke’s Bay District Health Board in 2007.

“He has substantial experience in Operational Management at General Manager level, including nursing leadership and Governance in Secondary Care Services both in New Zealand and Australia. David’s managerial and leadership roles have included Mental Health & Addictions, Older Persons Health and Acute and Medical Services. He is patient and family/whānau centred with a focus on improving equity and health outcomes for the district’s population, and improving both the work environment and the services offered in Te Matau a Māui.

“I know he will be a huge asset to the team at Hawke’s Bay Te Matau a Māui as well as continuing to support the integrated leadership team in the wider Central region.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Paula Jones for the leadership she has provided over the past year while acting in this capacity in Hawke’s Bay. She has provided stability during a period of significant change, and I have appreciated her support and inspiration during this time.”

At some point BayBuzz will seek an interview with Mr Warrington to learn his health care aspirations for Hawke’s Bay. One could say his “priorities”, but of course those are now set elsewhere. We been informed that all media requests concerning our hospital must be processed through Wellington headquarters.

Long gone are the days when you could just pick up the phone and talk to DHB Chair Kevin Atkinson or attend a monthly DHB meeting!