New Executive Director Heads Council

John Rankin Dow has been appointed executive director of the Provincial Health Council.

Mr. Dow has worked within the province's health care system for the past 24 years, including 17 as a senior manager. He has a bachelor of science degree from Acadia University and a bachelor of nursing degree from Dalhousie, and is currently completing a master's degree in health service administration, also at Dalhousie.

"The council has been operational since October 1998, and the addition of an executive director is the next step in its development," said council chair Barbara Hart. "With the addition of staff, the council will be able to more fully fulfil its mandate. This includes soliciting public opinion on health care matters, providing cabinet with a balanced view of the health care system, increasing public awareness about health care issues, and bringing developments in the health care field to government's attention."

The work of the Provincial Health Council has up to now centred on developing a short-term strategic direction. It has adopted the Nova Scotia health goals and recommended to the health minister that these goals be reaffirmed by cabinet. A position paper on the mental health of children and adolescents has also been submitted to the minister.

The council is currently working on a variety of issues, including communication with and for Nova Scotians, health call centres, and priorities for future study and research.

The council is interested in hearing from Nova Scotians on health care issues. Its office is at 1888 Brunswick St., Halifax, phone 902-424-1639 or 1-800-854-0815, fax 902-424-0402, and e-mail [email protected] .