Bluewater Health has promoted someone from within its organization to fill the role of chief nursing executive and vice president of clinical support services.
Jane Mathews will officially take on the role on September 3.
The executive position opened when Shannon Landry announced her departure from Bluewater Health to work at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) in Windsor.
"I have been blessed to work with [Landry] through the years, she has been my direct leader," Mathews said. "We're spending some time doing some transitioning, so I feel comfortable that I'll be ready to step into it when the time comes."
Once she settles into her new role, Mathews said her goal will be to continue Landry's work of ensuring quality patient and family-centered care.
The hospital said Mathews will lead the expansion and enhancement of patient services, focusing on access, safety, quality, and sustainability.
“We are grateful to the impacts [Mathews] has made throughout her career and leadership at Bluewater Health,” said Bluewater Health President and CEO Paula Reaume-Zimmer. “Over the years, she has demonstrated her commitment to innovation, quality care, and a positive patient and family experience. I’m looking forward to having [Mathews] join our exceptional group of executive leaders at Bluewater Health.”
Mathews began her career at Bluewater Health about 34 years ago as a staff nurse on the Mental Health Inpatient Unit and has spent the past eight years as the director of professional practice and patient experience.
She described the executive position as having a broader portfolio.
"Currently, I'm at a director level and it is a smaller portfolio -- professional practice, patient experience, spiritual care, and student relations," Mathews said.
Mathews was published in the Journal of Nursing Education and Practice earlier this year for her work and research on the “Impact of Pressure Injury Education on Nurses’ Knowledge in an Acute Care Setting”.
Bluewater Health said Mathews also sits as a board member on the Lambton College Board of Directors, and on the College of Nurses of Ontario Fitness to Practice and Discipline Committee.