The president of one of Okotoks largest companies will lend his expertise to Alberta Health Services as he takes over one of the top provincial health positions.
Stephen Lockwood, who is also president and co-CEO of Mullen Group, was named chairman of the board for Alberta Health Services (AHS) last week. Lockwood, who was a lawyer working in private practice prior to joining Mullen in 2004, will continue to work full-time for the Okotoks-based company.
He said he is able to bring his business and legal background to the position with AHS, which he said he can use to help with ongoing efforts to improve health care in Alberta.
“I thought I had the skills that could make a difference in assisting to refine our structure and refine the way that health care is delivered in Alberta,” said Lockwood.
Lockwood was first appointed to the AHS board in 2010 and he replaces former chairman Ken Hughes, who is now Alberta’s energy minister, and interim chairperson Catherine Roozen.
His term as chair lasts three years.
Lockwood said AHS is continually refining health services to make them better.
In particular, he said the board will continue to refine decision making processes to make sure they are being made at the right level.
“We’re going to continue to look at where the decisions are made in all aspects of the business and move them down to the most appropriate level or region or centre or facility,” said Lockwood.
AHS has faced several controversies in recent months including executive expenses and the impending closure of the Little Bow Continuing Care Centre in Carmangay.
Lockwood acknowledged AHS has faced a variety of “issues” and it will continue to face challenges as it moves forward. What’s important is to act on them as they arise, make sure problems are resolved and communicating effectively, he added.
“To me, it’s all (about) being prepared, having a process and procedure to deal with it,” said Lockwood.