Hastings Prince Edwards Medical Officer of Health Dr. Richard Schabas, October 5, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Now it’s official, the Hastings and Prince Edward Medical Officer of health is retiring at the end of this year.
Dr. Richard Schabas announced to the Board of Health he will be stepping down at the end of December, after 11 years as medical officer of health for Hastings and Prince Edward counties, Belleville and Quinte West.
Previously, Schabas had been Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer for 10 years.
He says there is more focus on health issues now.
Board chair Terry McGuigan says Schabas was the authoritative voice of public health.
The board is hiring a search company to help find a replacement.
McGuigan says they may need to hire an interim medical officer of health during the search.
