Pembroke Regional Hospital has announced that Dr. Declan Rowan will become the new Chief of Staff, starting July 1. He will take over from Dr. Tom Hurley, who has served in the role for the past nine years and is being thanked for his strong leadership and many contributions to the hospital.
Dr. Rowan brings more than 30 years of experience in medicine and healthcare leadership. He studied medicine at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and has held important roles in the region. These include Chief of Hospitalist Medicine at Pembroke Regional Hospital, Regional Primary Care Lead for Cancer Care Ontario, and Co-Chair of the Ottawa Valley Ontario Health Team Steering Committee. He recently retired from his role as a family physician at the Pembroke Family Medicine Teaching Unit.
Living in the Upper Ottawa Valley since 2006, Dr. Rowan is deeply connected to the local community. As a father of five, he values teamwork and is known for his focus on improving health systems and ensuring that all patients receive high-quality care close to home.
Dr. Rowan said he feels honoured to take on this new position. He looks forward to working closely with hospital staff and building a strong and supportive environment that puts patients first. He said he is inspired by the dedication of the hospital team and is excited to support continued growth and innovation at Pembroke Regional Hospital.
Board Chair Dean Sauriol welcomed the appointment and said Dr. Rowan’s experience and leadership style are a perfect fit for the hospital’s future. He shared confidence that Dr. Rowan will help guide the hospital in providing excellent care to the community.
Hospital President and CEO Sabine Mersmann also praised the decision. She said Dr. Rowan is a thoughtful and effective leader whose collaborative approach will support the hospital’s mission and goals. She looks forward to the positive changes he will help bring to the organization.
Mrs. Mersmann also thanked Dr. Hurley for his nearly ten years of dedicated service as Chief of Staff. She said his leadership helped build a strong foundation for the future of the hospital.
Dr. Hurley said it has been a privilege to serve the hospital for so many years. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and shared his full support for Dr. Rowan. He said he is confident that the hospital is in good hands and believes Dr. Rowan will continue to lead with care and integrity.
(Written by: Emma Butler)