Q and A with Steve Hudson

The Niagara Health System Board of Trustees is made up of volunteers who live and work in Niagara. The Board is responsible for governing the NHS and providing strategic direction to the hospital system in Niagara to ensure it meets the healthcare needs of the community within available resources.

Niagara Health Now is publishing a series of question-and-answer profiles on individual members of the Board to help our readers get better acquainted with them. This issue’s profile is of Steve Hudson.

Where were you born?
Moncton, New Brunswick, with most summers spent in a little fishing village outside Halifax.

Number of years living in Niagara:
I moved to St. Catharines in 1993, after a number of years living all over Canada but the previous decade in Toronto and Barrie.

Occupation:
I’ve changed occupations a few times, but I still identify myself as an engineer. I graduated from Royal Military College and spent a number of years in the military. Since leaving, I have worked in a university, with school boards, and at Niagara College, where I am currently Vice-president Academic.

What are the greatest rewards from your job?
There are many rewards with working at the College. We get to see students graduate every year ready for careers they enjoy. We also get to work with great employers and community agencies in developing our programs and keeping us connected to what our students need to know.

What influenced you to become a member of the NHS Board of Trustees?
The healthcare system impacts everyone in the community, and the system is going through some profound changes. The opportunity to be involved in this process was very compelling.

How many years have you served on the NHS Board?
Four years

What is your greatest achievement or reward as a member of the Board?
Working with many Board members and administration to ensure that the government and others understand the enormous financial strains under which NHS has been operating and commit to work with us to improve our funding.

What is the greatest opportunity for the NHS?
To continue to improve the quality of services provided to our community.

What is its greatest challenge?
Undoubtedly, financial constraints and human resources constraints are both great challenges. The shortage of staff limits what services can be effectively provided, even if we have the funds to hire staff. Lack of appropriate funding has been a significant focus for the Board, as it affects everything from hiring to equipment renewal.

Other involvement as a member of a volunteer Board, past or present?
Niagara Community Foundation and other local activities.

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
Pretty focused, analytical, and someone who wishes they were a better basketball player.

What is your greatest personal achievement?
Finishing my doctorate two years ago. «