Provincial Government Launches Comprehensive Review to Strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

Press Release

August 20, 2025

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has launched a review of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services to identify opportunities to build on the progress that has been made since its creation two years ago.

The review highlights the shared commitment between the Provincial Government and health authority to improve oversight, accountability, its operational structure, and ultimately build greater public trust in the health system.

Since being established in April 2023, the provincial health authority has made meaningful improvements to how, and where, care is delivered across many areas of the organization. To date, it has increased cardiac procedures, introduced same-day hip and knee replacement, and improved recruitment and retention. It is advancing a new health information system, integrated ambulance system, and new urgent care model that will further transform health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The review will focus on:

Evaluating and strengthening the NL Health Services’ governance and accountability structures.
Enhancing transparency, oversight, and compliance across all levels of the organization.
Identifying and implementing efficiency and synergy opportunities, cost containment and reducing administrative costs to ensure resources support front-line patient care.
Overseeing the full implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations.

The review will also examine the relationship between NL Health Services and the Minister of Health and Community Services, and determine the level of appropriate government oversight.

A dedicated executive lead, responsible for governance and accountability, will coordinate the review and report to an executive oversight committee. More information on the members of the review committee is available in the backgrounder below.

This team will collaborate with NL Health Services’ Board of Trustees and leadership to inform meaningful recommendations, engage with experts, where necessary, and consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including unions, and Indigenous governments and organizations.

Quotes

“Initiating a comprehensive review will improve health care delivery and ensure effective, strong and transparent governance practices. I look forward to receiving these recommendations that will help reinforce public trust in Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.”

Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Health and Community Services

“A comprehensive review of NLHS is timely and appropriate. I look forward to collaborating with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to advance this review and, ultimately, improve health outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

Dr. Pat Parfrey
Chief Executive Officer, NLHS

“This has been a time of widespread change, flexibility and innovation for healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador since the formation of NLHS in April 2023. It is now an opportune time to step back and have a full assessment of the appropriate way forward. On behalf of the Board we welcome and support this initiative.”

Robert B. Andrews, KC
Chair, Board of Trustees, NLHS

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Learn more

BACKGROUNDER

Comprehensive Review Team

Executive Lead: Justin Caines, Interim Executive Lead, Health and Community Services

Committee Chair: John McGrath, Deputy Minister, Health and Community Services

Committee Member: Andrea McKenna, Deputy Clerk, Executive Council

Committee Member: Lisa Curran, Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Resources, Treasury Board Secretariat

Committee Member: David Drover, Assistant Deputy Minister, Treasury Management and Budgeting, Department of Finance

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