District Eight Health Authority Appointments

The chair and members of the new district health authority for Cape Breton, Victoria and Inverness counties were appointed today. These individuals can now push forward in setting the new direction for health care committed by government.

The district health authority is smaller than the former Eastern Regional Health Board, allowing for more focused management on community needs. Communities already are seeing a greater voice in decisions, with two-thirds of the authority members nominated by community health boards. The authorities are also required to work with local health boards in developing community health plans.

This new direction also requires stronger links among all levels of health care -- from prevention to treatment to continuing care. This means people will get the right care, in the right place, at a sustainable cost for taxpayers. As well, more accountability will be in place for health outcomes and results.

Donald Ferguson, pharmacist and present chair of the Cape Breton Healthcare Complex is the chair for District 8.

The chair will be joined by 11 members: Dan Yakimchuck, retired steelworker and community volunteer; Mildred Evans, presently serves on the board of directors of the Northside Community Guest Home; Catherine Power, RN, administrator of Seaview Manor Corporation in Glace Bay and is a member of the board of trustees of the Glace Bay General Hospital Foundation; Dawn MacKeigan, present coordinator BSW Field One Placement with the Maritime School of Social Work with Dalhousie University and was involved in the formation of the CBHC; Paula McMullen -Beaton, social worker, rehabilitation counsellor with the Canadian Paraplegic Association and has worked with home care and addiction rehabilitation services; Carolyn Toomey, head of Health Human Services with the Nova Scotia Community College, Marconi Campus in Sydney; Brenda Gillis, RN, presently works as instructor at the NS Community College, Strait Area Campus; Yvon LeBlanc, retired teacher, community health board member; Norman Connors, retired teacher who is currently serving as member of the Victoria County Community Health Board; Wayne MacAuley, director of environmental services at The Cove Guest Home in Sydney; Jon Yipp, works in private sector, construction management and addictions counsellor as well an active community volunteer.

Acting Health Minister Peter Christie said that both the chair and health authority members have diverse backgrounds, experience and talents.

"They have one thing in common - their interest and commitment in improving health care in their communities. We look forward to working with them in developing a health care system that not only does a better job of meeting Nova Scotians' needs today - but is there to meet the needs of our children and grandchildren."

The health authority chairs will help in selecting the chief executive officers - a process already under way. Orientation sessions for all members are scheduled in October.

The Health Authorities Act, passed in spring 2000, sets out the legislative framework for the new health care direction.