Dr Chambers, an emergency department (ED) specialist, said potentially affected managers he dealt with were ''hard-working, enthusiastic, and innovative''.
The scope of the reorganisation is unclear, yet it will likely include service managers, and possibly some of those below them. Senior and executive management was restructured last year, with minimal job losses.
Dr Chambers did not think the anxiety threatened significant progress at Dunedin Hospital ED. Figures out this week show it is coming close to meeting the six-hour treat or transfer target.
The hospital advisory committee will hear today the ED dealt with 94.3% of patients within six hours, just short of the 95% target it has often been nowhere near achieving.
Extra locum and overtime shifts (extra permanent staff are being recruited), and the observation unit that opened in August had brought benefits for patients and staff, he said.
''But your readers will know that the target is not met every day, or for every patient, and there is still some way to go.''
Although the high profile of the target meant the ED was unlikely to suffer in the coming unsettling restructuring period, Dr Chambers felt for those affected.
''It must be difficult, being a manager working under this pressure and trying to second-guess which quality or particular attribute the leadership most desire,'' he said.
In the corresponding month last year, the ED dealt with 88% of patients within six hours, while in February 2011, it dealt with just 70%.
Public Service Association organiser Julie Morton said the uncertainty was stressful for staff, but she believed it was crucial the health board took its time, and got the process right. However, the uncertainty made improvements in board culture and processes ''impossible'' at present, she said.
Patient services medical director Richard Bunton, in a prepared statement, said the process would not be rushed.
''We are keeping staff updated and will communicate with staff and unions once we have decided on the scope and time frame for future realignment of the organisation.''
