Hanson will head Caritas Norwood Hospital

Caritas Christi Health Care, the six-hospital chain owned by the Archdiocese of Boston, announced the appointment of Margaret Hanson R.N. as president of its hospital in Norwood.

Hanson, who previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the two-hospital Cape Cod Healthcare system, will succeed Dr. John B. Chessare (right), "who has decided to pursue other opportunities," Caritas Christi said.

Chessare had earlier served as the interim chief executive of the entire Caritas Christi chain after a previous chief executive was forced to resign in 2006 amid allegations of sexual harasment.

Earlier this year, Dr. Ralph de la Torre was appointed as the chain's permanent chief executive. According to a Globe story, Chessare had applied for the job of permanent chief executive.

In a statement, Robert Guyon, chief operating officer of Caritas Christi, praised Hanson.

“Margaret has a wealth of clinical and administrative health care experience and a proven record of success in improving the quality of patient care and maximizing operational efficiencies,” he said. “Her experience managing a large community-based health care system on Cape Cod will be invaluable as she joins the Caritas family in its mission to bring world class medical care to the communities where our patients live.”

The 264-bed Caritas Norwood Hospital provides emergency, cardiology, advanced surgical, cancer, endoscopic, OB/GYN, and Children’s Hospital pediatric services, Caritas Christi said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)