The NHS announced Wednesday that it is bringing in Dr. Chris Carruthers, retired chief of staff from the Ottawa facility, to act as facilitator between the hospital system and its medical staff association.

NHS doctors recently passed a vote of non-confidence in the hospital system by a two-to-one ratio, in the wake of controversy over its hospital restructuring plan.

Dr. Jack Kitts, president and chief executive officer of the Ottawa Hospital, was also brought in to make recommendations on that plan, which could see the centralization of certain services.

Last week, NHS board chair Betty-Lou Souter said her board wants to repair relations with NHS doctors.

The hospital system said Carruthers will start his work next week and, reporting to the NHS board, will develop a plan to begin that process.

The hospital board, the doctor association and senior staff with the NHS will work together mapping out how the process will work.

Souter said Carruthers has the background and the experience to lead the mending process.

"I am looking forward to working with the medical staff, the board and hospital administration to improve their relationships and ultimately improve patient care in the Niagara region," Carruthers said in an NHS news release.