Dr. Robert Halpenny has been appointed chair of Interior Health’s board of directors, succeeding Dr. Doug Cochrane after his passing earlier this month.

“Dr. Halpenny brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in his career, which includes an extensive history of working with B.C.’s health authorities,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “He was instrumental in delivering the tertiary cardiac program to Interior Health, as well as the provision of helicopter services to meet the needs of patients in the region. Dr. Halpenny brings strong leadership qualities to the Interior Health board.”

Halpenny will serve as Interior Health board chair until the end of 2026. Since 2015, he has been the chair of the Medical Services Commission, which oversees adherence to the Canada Health Act and Medicare Protection Act. He also was government representative with the commission from 2005-16.

For eight years, Halpenny worked as a family physician in Vancouver. His career as a health administrator spans more than 30 years, which included health-care societies in Vancouver, a hospital in Colorado, time at Fraser Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority, and eight years at Interior Health, where he served as senior medical director and for five years as president and CEO.

Additionally, William Michael Gerrand and Bonnie Pearson have been appointed to the board for a one-year term, ending Feb. 28, 2025. Gerrand is a principal with the accounting firm Grant Thornton LLP. Pearson is a labour leader with experience in the health-care sector.

“The addition of the new board members will bring a depth of knowledge and community experience, from both public and private sectors, and I look forward to our continued work together,” Dix said.

A health authority board of directors helps ensure British Columbians receive the best care in an efficient, well-managed public health-care system. Boards are responsible for the governance and management of health services in the province. They work with health authority leadership to establish the organization’s overall vision and ensure there is appropriate community consultation. Boards also regularly review the organization's long-term plans, look at significant issues affecting the organization and evaluate results.

Learn More:

Information on Interior Health’s board of directors can be found here:
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/about-ih/leadership/board-of-directors

To read the statement on the passing of Dr. Doug Cochrane, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HLTH0022-000234

A backgrounder follows.