Chai Chuah

Hutt Valley District Health Board's chief executive for the last seven years, Chai Chuah, has resigned to take up the position of National Director of the National Health Board business unit of the Ministry of Health.

"Chai has led the Hutt Valley DHB superbly," Board Chair Peter Glensor said. "While his departure is a great loss to our DHB, this national appointment is a tribute to his skills. I can think of no one better to lead in this critical new role for the New Zealand health sector."

Mr Glensor praised Hutt Valley DHB's achievements over the period Mr Chuah has been CEO. "Hutt Valley DHB has gained a strong reputation for innovation, its links with the community, sound financial management especially in recent years when we have been through difficult times, and excellent working relationships between clinicians, management and the Board," he said.

Construction of an $80 million redevelopment of Hutt Hospital, including a much needed new emergency department and more operating theatres, has just commenced after years of planning. The DHB recently opened a New Zealand-first - two new "clip on" theatres, to provide additional day surgery while the new facilities are being built.

Agreement to keep the plastic, maxillofacial and burns unit at Hutt Hospital, when it had been planned to transfer it to Wellington, was another major achievement.

"Initiatives to attract medical students to the Hutt Valley, and to support young doctors, including scholarships for Maori and Pacific students, and to bring more GPs to the Hutt Valley are other new programmes Chai has encouraged," Mr Glensor said.

"Chai has impressed everyone with his down to earth way of dealing with people, his commitment to good relationships, and his huge knowledge of the sector," he said. "He has forged an impressive team, and has contributed hugely to the whole Hutt Valley community, the Hutt Hospital, and the wider health sector. As an accountant he understands and keeps a professional eye on the dollars. But his real legacy is in relating warmly and honestly with the Board, the DHB staff, and the community."

Mr Glensor said that Mr Chuah's emphasis on a strong organisational culture, which respected and encouraged all disciplines and professions, was a key in ensuring the DHB was well prepared for the future.

Mr Glensor said that the next period would be very challenging as the DHB continued to work to get best value for every health dollar. "We are expanding our collaboration with our neighbouring DHBs, and keeping up the momentum in building health services for the Hutt Valley community. Chai leaves a DHB which is in good heart, and ready to face the future with enormous confidence."