The following has been sent to all Island Health Staff and Medical Staff on behalf of President & CEO, Kathy MacNeil.
Health Authority Review Update & Next Steps Toward Shared Services
This afternoon, the Minister of Health is announcing the Provincial Government will create a new shared services organization to deliver select administrative and corporate services currently provided within regional health authorities, along with existing shared services currently delivered by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). This new organization, expected to begin operations in Spring 2026, stems from the Province’s review of PHSA and regional health authorities to focus resources on patient care by identifying efficiencies and reducing administrative costs.
The Ministry has identified eight areas for further assessment to determine which elements of these functions will move to the new shared services organization, which will remain with health authorities, and which may be delivered by the new organization while operating within current structures. They are:
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NEXT STEPS
Over the next several months, senior leaders across all BC health authorities and the Ministry of Health will be engaged in working groups to develop recommendations on future service delivery models for the above functions. These groups will take a thoughtful, system-wide approach to ensure that processes, transitions and workflows are carefully assessed before changes are implemented. It is expected a roadmap will be in place for transition of services after the organization’s establishment in Spring 2026. In Island Health, there are many leading practices in administrative and corporate services. With the move to increased shared services, we can leverage our local best practices and share them with health authority partners.
As we have experienced in previous iterations of shared service implementations, there will be impacts as we move through this transition. Health authorities are committed to retaining talent wherever possible during this transition, but it is expected that some changes will occur as functions and roles are consolidated into a shared service model beginning next Spring.
I can commit that whatever changes will occur, they will be done in accordance with the provisions of collective agreements and the Non-Contract Terms and Conditions of Employment.
This restructuring announcement may heighten the uncertainty felt over the past several months during the provincial review and non-contract workforce reviews undertaken by health authorities. As this work evolves, we will ensure timely updates to the new Health Authority Review intranet page, where you can find details of the Provincial Government announcement today and other resources.
Leaders in the functions under review are the best resource for teams to lean into, and these individuals will play an essential role in helping shape practical solutions that support teams and, most importantly, the people we serve.
Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen our health system, support innovation and long-term sustainability, and enhance the quality of care for patients, families and communities.
Thank you for your continued dedication and partnership as we embark on the next phase of this important work.