After nearly four years at the helm, Veronica Nelson is stepping down as president and CEO of Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS), marking the end of a transformative era for healthcare in the region. Her resignation, effective September 27, comes as the organization navigates ongoing challenges in rural healthcare delivery.
Nelson joined HHHS in October 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding the organization through unprecedented healthcare pressures while simultaneously implementing strategic reforms. In a statement released yesterday, HHHS board chair David O’Brien acknowledged her significant contributions.
“Veronica’s leadership during exceptionally challenging times has positioned our organization for continued success,” O’Brien said. “Her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare services for our communities leaves a lasting legacy.”
Under Nelson’s direction, HHHS has expanded several programs, including palliative care services and mental health supports. She also spearheaded community partnerships that enhanced access to specialized care in the rural Haliburton region, addressing longstanding service gaps identified in the community health assessment.
“The decision to leave wasn’t made lightly,” Nelson told CO24 in an exclusive interview. “I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together, particularly our innovative approaches to rural healthcare delivery that have become models for similar communities across Ontario.”
Sources within the organization confirmed that Nelson has accepted a leadership position with a larger healthcare network in southern Ontario, though official announcements are pending.
The HHHS board has already initiated the search for Nelson’s successor, forming a selection committee tasked with finding a candidate who can continue building on recent momentum while addressing persistent challenges including staffing shortages and funding constraints that particularly impact rural healthcare systems.
Healthcare advocacy groups in the region expressed concern about the transition, noting the importance of maintaining stability during a period when many rural healthcare facilities across Canada face unprecedented pressures.
“Leadership continuity is crucial right now,” said Margaret Devlin, chair of the Haliburton Healthcare Advocacy Coalition. “We’re hopeful the board will prioritize candidates who understand the unique challenges of delivering comprehensive care in geographically dispersed communities.”
As healthcare systems across Canada grapple with post-pandemic recovery and structural reform, what will Nelson’s departure mean for the future of rural healthcare innovation in communities like Haliburton that have historically struggled to maintain comprehensive services despite growing demand?
