Family takes precedence for retiring hospital president

As David McNeil prepares to celebrate Canada Day this year, he recalls July 1, 2018.

“I was invited to an interview to become the next president and CEO of the Brant Community Healthcare System,” McNeil recalled. “So, I drove down and spent the day in Brantford.”

At the time, McNeil was the chief nursing officer and senior vice president, Patient Experience & Digital Transformation at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, where he was a part of the senior leadership team for 21 years.

“I began my healthcare career as a registered nurse and worked as a staff nurse in the remote Indigenous community of Attawapiskat, Ontario before earning my PhD in rural and northern health,” McNeil said.

By December 2018, McNeil had moved to Brantford, purchased a home and rolled up his sleeves to continue the turnaround of the Brantford General and Willett Hospitals, which had been under the control of a provincially appointed supervisor.

At that time, the Brant Community Healthcare System faced numerous significant challenges.

McNeil proudly points to ending the hospital’s eight consecutive years of deficits. “Going to the bank to meet payroll is a thing of the past. We now have a surplus and a positive working capital budget.”

“This is a tremendous accomplishment, particularly given the impact COVID-19 had on our resources the past three years unlike many hospitals.”

McNeil is quick to praise the members of the board, the physicians, staff, and volunteers. “We have made great strides forward in clinical, quality control, risk management, and human resources. These are areas that tend to be invisible to the public.”

Other highlights McNeil points to include the introduction of 52 permanent beds at the Willett in Paris and the Urgent Care Centre, which allows 20,000 patients a year to receive care and bypass the overcrowded BGH emergency department.

The redevelopment of the Brantford General has been front and center throughout McNeil’s leadership, a project he described as a very involved multi-step process working with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the community. “I have never seen support of the federal, provincial, local and Indigenous leaders like we have here.”

Currently, tenders are being received to double the size of the emergency department, which is expected to begin later this year.

“The cost is over $25 million. Our foundation is collaborating with the community to raise at least $8 million. So far everyone’s generosity has resulted in almost $6 million being raised.”

Right from the outset when he arrived five years ago, McNeil feels he has been welcomed with open arms.

“Paul Emerson was the chair of the board at the time, and he introduced me to the community. Along with Peter Quinlan, our current chair, they have provided outstanding leadership and I consider them to be friends.”

McNeil is retiring at the end of the month. He will take many memories with him. On Canada Day he looks forward to creating new memories with his family.

Hospital Insider is written by Gary Chalk who assists with communications for the Brant Community Healthcare System.