After 42 years of employment in the provincial healthcare system, 37 years in the southeast region and eight years as Sun Country Health Region's (SCHR) chief executive officer, Marga Cugnet is saying goodbye.

"It's a big part of my life," Cugnet said about her departure from the CEO position, as the provincial government is starting to take major steps towards the amalgamation of 12 health regions into one.

"And it's just one of those things we all have to go through when we look at changes towards the end of our career."

Cugnet admits it's going to be a bit of a challenge for the region to lose a CEO and vice president, as both Murry Goeres and Cugnet have taken voluntary severance packages offered by the Ministry of Health.

However, a reporting structure will be in place to direct the SCHR through the changes and these plans are soon to be announced.

"It's our staff and they're the ones that are providing the services. They are the Sun Country Health Region," Cugnet said.

Cugnet's legacy stretches across the southeast region including Tatagwa View in Weyburn, completed projects in Kipling, Radville and Redvers, a hand in the establishment of the dialysis unit in St. Joseph's Hospital here in Estevan, as well as bringing the CT program to the SCHR which is also established in Estevan.

But for Cugnet, the most important thing is having the fortune of working with excellent staff and meeting many patients, residents and their families.

She also shared a huge appreciation to her leadership team, the region's board and the community.

It's too early to tell what the future holds for Cugnet.

"I've got seven grandkids that actually live here in Weyburn," she said.

"So, I'm pretty fortunate and I know they want to see more of me and I think my three kids are happy that I'm going to kind of take it east a little bit."

She does have plans to remain involved in healthcare through volunteerism.

Cugnet first became interim CEO of SCHR in 2010, filling the position left by Cal Tant, and became permanent in 2012.

She started working in healthcare as a junior volunteer in the 1970's while she was in high school. Cugnet first worked as an aid and an operating technician, before graduating with a nursing degree from university. Throughout her 42 years, Cugnet has held many different roles.

"I've been very fortunate and very privileged," Cugnet said.

"I don't think many people can say that love every day of their job but I can honestly say I did and I do love every day of my job."