Press Release
The North West Local Health Integration Network board of directors on Friday announced the retirement of CEO Laura Kokocinski effective April 1, 2018.
Kokocinski, who was appointed as CEO on Sept. 1, 2010, joined the organization in 2006 as a senior director, Planning, Integration and Community Engagement.
During her tenure as LHIN CEO, Kokocinski successfully contributed to transforming and shaping the health-care system in Northwestern Ontario, including the smooth transition of the former North West Community Care Access Centre’s Home and Community Care programs and services to the North West LHIN on June 21 of this year.
She drove change in the health-care system with a focus on person-centered care, and how these changes to the system impacts patients and families.
Kokocinski has been instrumental in the development of collaborative partnerships, new integration initiatives such as the North of Superior Healthcare Group, and building relationships across sectors and with both the aboriginal and Francophone communities.
She has expanded health-care services and programs, including the advancement of technology and development of eHealth strategy with partners.
The North West LHIN is the first LHIN in Ontario to implement a common Hospital Information System at all of its hospitals.
Kokocinski also chaired and led several provincial initiatives, including aboriginal planning.
She has held the positions of vice-president, Health Services, at the Meno Ya Win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout, executive director of the Community Care Access Centre of the District of Thunder Bay, and director of Continuing Education with Confederation College.
She brought to the LHIN a strong background in leadership, education, policy development, and research.
The North West LHIN board will commence recruitment for a new CEO immediately.
“On behalf of the North West LHIN board of directors, management, and staff, we would like to thank Laura for her time, dedication, and passion in service to the people of Northwestern Ontario,” said board chair Gil Labine.
“Laura had the vision and led the development of our Health Services Blueprint, a 10 year-integration strategy to deliver better care experience and improve health outcomes for the people in our region,” he noted.
“This strategy is in its sixth year of implementation and plans to achieve the 2021 goals are underway.
“Laura will be sadly missed by the organization and the health-care community,” Labine added.
“However, we are happy to support her decision, that after 47 years working with the health-care sector, she will be retiring to spend more time with her family and grandchildren.”
“It has been my privilege to work in the health-care sector alongside health system partners, colleagues, and talented staff,” said Kokocinski.
“Together, we have been on a journey to plan, co-ordinate, and deliver health-care services to improve health outcomes for the people in Northwestern Ontario and beyond.
“I feel that the LHIN is well-positioned for success, and I can leave the organization knowing that the board, leadership team, and staff are capable of continuing to advance the organizational goals and ensure that programs and services are available for the people of our region,” she added.
“I look forward to spending more time with my family and enjoying time at camp,” Kokocinski noted.
“I also look forward to doing some health research, volunteering, and travelling.
The board of directors currently is comprised of Labine (Thunder Bay), Cathy Farrell (Thunder Bay), Tina Copenace (Kenora), Darryl Allan (Fort Frances), Tim Berube (Thunder Bay), Herb ZoBell (Thunder Bay), Carol Neff (Thunder Bay), Beatrice Metzler (Thunder Bay), Dorothy Piccinin (Thunder Bay), and Cindy Jarvela (Thunder Bay).
The role of the board is to oversee, advise on, and govern the strategic direction and priorities of the LHIN.
The North West LHIN is responsible for planning, funding, and integrating local health services, as well as delivering home and community care services.
It holds accountability agreements with hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres, mental health and addictions agencies, and other community support services.
The North West LHIN and its board of directors are responsible for more than $650 million of health-care services delivered in Northwestern Ontario.
