South Seas Healthcare Trust announces new CEO

This is a supplied media release

Pacific health provider South Seas Healthcare Trust has announced a new CEO, Silao Vaisola Sefo, to oversee the growth of the organisation and provide leadership at Otara’s biggest health and social service centre.

Profit organisation South Seas Healthcare Trust is a Pacific health provider based in Otara. With a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and devoted social services arm, the organisation continues to grow. The goal of delivering family focussed and leading edge innovative primary health care to the community it serves, still remains a driving force at the heart of the organisation.

To lead the organisation in this period of new growth South Seas Healthcare Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Silao Vaisola Sefo as its new CEO, commencing June 2016. Silao will be responsible for overseeing the growth of the organisation and providing leadership as South Seas Healthcare takes the next step in developing its services and its vision.

Silao has been a key member of the South Seas Executive management and leadership team since 2013 when he initially joined as Operations Manager, having moved from Counties Manukau District Health Board. Supported by a team of over 50 staff, South Seas Healthcare looks to be in good stead as its navigation under new leadership begins a new journey.

“I am excited and honoured to take on the role as CEO of South Seas Healthcare, because the vision and values of the organisation resonate with my personal beliefs and values too and that’s what motivates me as well as the drive to continue delivering a high standard of care and service to our community of patients and their families and loved ones.”

Announcing the appointment of Silao as Chief Executive, South Seas Healthcare Trust Chairperson, Dr Teuila Percival said: “I am thrilled to welcome a young energetic CEO who has at his heart not just business skills but a genuine passion for helping people.”

“With the board’s full support, Silao will continue to work towards achieving the next stages of growth and development for the organisation benefitting the community, and improved performance across the board. The Board and I are excited that Silao will be taking on the role.” Says Dr Percival.

Reflecting on his appointment, Silao understands the role is critical in building on the current successes and credits his strong background in professional rugby as providing the building blocks to his professional career.

“It’s been incredible to be part of the South Seas journey so far and I’m raring to go in my new role to serve, and ensure that we aim to provide low cost access health services for families, to make sure more of our Pacific community are accessing health and social services.” says Silao.

“There will always be challenges in a new role but we are going to build on the successes that are already there and follow the hard work, passion and commitment of a small group of health professionals who created this wonderful organisation, which has now grown to be the biggest health and social service centre in Otara.”

As the first Pacific provider in New Zealand to achieve RNZGP Cornerstone Accreditation, the heart of the work South Seas Healthcare undertake in the community aims to improve the health status of Pacific families in South Auckland by providing increased access to, and improving the quality of comprehensive primary, preventative and social services. It is here that Silao aims to ensure that a key part of his role will be strengthen and build relationships with community and partners to ensure the healthcare developments are in line with future growth and aspirations.

Silao, 37, was born in the village of Gagaifo o le Vao in the district of Lefaga in Samoa was educated in New Zealand, is the youngest of five children and is a graduate of the University of Otago.