Former Hastings Health Centre CEO to head Cranford Hospice
The Cranford Hospice Trust Board has appointed experienced health leader Andrew Lesperance as its new Chief Executive Officer.
His appointment follows the departure of Janice Byford-Jones in June this year, after seven years leading the organisation.
Originally from Canada, Andrew trained as a registered nurse and has been in New Zealand for more than 20 years.
His experience includes being a hospital manager for Southern Cross, General Manager of Planning and Performance at Hawke’s Bay DHB, General Manager of the Cancer Control Network and CEO at the Hastings Health Centre where he oversaw the build of the new Hastings Health Centre on St Aubyn Street.
Andrew has most recently been working at Te Whatu Ora in Southland and is looking forward to returning to his family home in Hawke’s Bay.
Cranford Hospice Trust Chair Frane Rosandich said Andrew’s wealth of leadership experience and extensive connections and relationships in Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay will be a real asset to Cranford as we work through the health reforms and build our new home at Chesterhope.
“It is an exciting time for our organisation as we work through to ensure we are providing the best possible palliative care to the people of Hawke’s Bay.”
Lesperance said he is privileged to be provided with the opportunity to guide the service through the next chapter of its growth and development.
"From my nursing training days, through to my time with the Palliative Care Council of NZ, Palliative Care services have always been an area that I have strongly supported.
Leading Cranford Hospice, an organisation that facilitates and enables a compassionate environment and expert end of life care, during a time when people and their families are in need, fully aligns with my personal values. It is an essential service for the people of our community, and I am
Andrew will be commencing in mid-January 2023. Andrea Jopling, Deputy Chair of the Trust, is Interim CEO.
