Cliff Nordal announces his retirement

After what will be a 41-year career serving the health-care system in Canada, Cliff Nordal, shared President and CEO of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph's Health Care, London (St. Joseph's), announced today his plans to retire effective January 1, 2011.

Since 2006, Nordal has served in the unique role of shared CEO for both London hospitals. This innovative role was established to ensure both hospitals continued to work closely together to complete hospital restructuring in London while maintaining London's status as a premiere academic hospital system.

"It is with mixed emotions that I make this announcement today. I am very grateful for the unique opportunities I have had to contribute and provide leadership to health care in London," says Nordal. "I am especially grateful to the staff, physicians and volunteers of both London hospitals for their dedication and commitment to the patients they serve each and every day. I want to extend my appreciation to the entire London community who take great pride in their hospitals and provide unwavering support to these two great institutions."

Nordal first came to London 12 years ago as President and CEO of St. Joseph's Health Care, London where he immediately began to lead the organization through significant changes in St. Joseph's roles and services, including the mergers of the former London and St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospitals with St. Joseph's and the re-creation of St. Joseph's Hospital.

Collaboration and integration have been hallmarks of Nordal's career. In London, he has led the creation of the most integrated system of hospital care in Ontario. Integration at both the administrative and clinical levels has enhanced the patient care experience for London patients resulting in improved handoffs between care giving organizations, reduced duplication of tests, consolidation of clinical programs, vastly improved facilities and integrated health information systems, including a diagnostic imaging system that spans Southwestern Ontario.

"We could not have had a better leader than Cliff to build partnerships between Western and the London hospitals as he actively championed education and research as core missions of academic hospitals," said Carol Herbert, Dean of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Chair of the Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine. "He has been instrumental in helping to better align care, education and research, and has set a high standard in this regard across Canada. Western is committed to working with the hospitals to build on the foundation that Cliff has laid."

"Although I will miss the hospitals and our work together, I look forward to a new phase in my life which will enable me to spend more time with my wife, Patty and my family, pursue travel and explore my hobbies and interests, including continuing to advocate for Canada's health-care system," adds Nordal. "However, there is still much to do in the coming year and I look forward to very productive work with our boards, leadership teams and our community partners."