Windsor Regional Hospital leaders reflect on transition as CEO search begins
As Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) launches its search for a new president and chief executive officer, hospital officials are sharing what they hope the next wave of leadership brings to the table.
Karen Riddell, who has been serving as interim president and CEO since David Musyj accepted a temporary role at London Health Sciences Centre in May, will retire in March 2026.
Riddell, who is also WRH's chief nursing executive, said both roles require leaders with deep clinical understanding and a commitment to frontline engagement.
'Really a real strong clinical leader with a really good understanding of frontline staff engagement and how to improve the patient experience moving forward,' said Riddell, in an interview with CTV News.
'We developed a new strategic plan this past year and we're really pushing that forward to ensure we're providing the best care possible.'
Riddell emphasized the importance of hiring a CEO who not only understands the local landscape but also the broader provincial direction, especially as the region prepares for a long-awaited new acute care hospital.
'There's going to be a lot of work, not only on getting approval to build the hospital and then building it, but the transition of moving to the new site,' she said.
'We're going to need a really strong candidate that's going to be able to lead us into that future.'
Riddell said she's optimistic strong candidates will step forward for both executive roles and is committed to supporting a smooth transition in partnership with Musyj.
Musyj, who confirmed to the board Wednesday that he will not be returning to WRH, is currently serving as a supervisor in London. Despite his change in title and location, he said he remains a fierce supporter of the local hospital project when communicating with government officials.
'Luckily, they're on speed dial with me right now,' he said.
'So, when I'm talking about all things London, I also talk about the project with them and moving it forward.'
Musyj said his current involvement in Windsor will continue at least until Riddell retires in December. After that, any ongoing role will be up to the new CEO.
'Regardless of that, I'll be the biggest advocate for the project with the government,' he said.
Reflecting on how quickly the leadership landscape has shifted over the past year, Musyj said the turn of events was unexpected.
'If someone were to talk to me last May, at the start of May and said this is where we'd be right now, I would have lost a lot of money on that bet,' he said.
'But again, I'm honoured to be asked to help and Windsor Regional's in great hands with Karen and the rest of the team.'
The hospital's board is expected to name Riddell's replacement before her departure.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
6 minutes ago
- CTV News
29 cases of parasitic infection in Saskatoon Farm outbreak: AHS
Alberta Health Services is continuing to investigate the source of a gastrointestinal outbreak at the Saskatoon Farm's restaurant in July. (File) Alberta Health Services says there are now nearly 30 cases of a serious parasitic infection in connection with an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness at a restaurant at a southern Alberta business last month. AHS says as of Aug. 1, there are 49 probable cases of E. coli among customers who ate at the Saskatoon Farm, east of Okotoks, between July 1 and 18. The agency says among those patients, there have been 29 cases of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) infections. One person remains in hospital in connection with the outbreak while two other patients have been released. According to Health Canada, E. histolytica is a worldwide pathogen and the second leading cause of parasitic death. 'It infects an estimated 500 million people per year, causes liver abscess and colitis in 50 million, and results in death of an estimated 40,000-100,000 individuals annually,' the government's website says. Infections are more common in tropical and subtropical areas, such as Mexico, South and West Africa, western South America and South Asia, Health Canada says. Saskatoon Farm restaurant remains closed According to the latest inspection report of the restaurant at Saskatoon Farm, which was conducted on July 29, AHS said two violations were found. Those included the presence of pests in the restaurant and 'a practice or condition at this food establishment is creating a nuisance.' Officials said a live mouse was seen in the Saskatoon Farm bakery at the time of the inspection. No further information was provided by AHS about the 'nuisance' present at the business.
CTV News
28 minutes ago
- CTV News
Vancouver E.R. without a doctor overnight during staffing crisis
Vancouver E.R. without a doctor overnight during staffing crisis CTV's Regan Hasegawa reports on a Vancouver-area hospital not having a doctor overnight for two consecutive days.
CTV News
36 minutes ago
- CTV News
Precautionary boil water advisory in Huron County
A precautionary boil water advisory is in effect for anybody on the Benmiller Drinking Water System. According to the Township of Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh, the advisory is in effect because of a loss of pressure caused by a leak. The township said it is required to issue the notice and it will be in effect when two consecutive negative tests are received. It's advised to boil water at a rolling boil for at least one minute if you are using it to drink, gargle, brush your teeth, wash fruits of vegetables. make ice, juices or puddings or make baby food or formula. Residents may also use bottled water instead of boiled water for the above-mentioned uses.
