District Health Authority Appointments for Colchester Co. and East Hants
HEALTH--District Health Authority Appointments for Colchester Co. and East Hants
Members of the new district health authority for Colchester County and East Hants Municipality 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 Northern 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.
The chair for this district will be appointed at a later date. The chair will be joined by 11 members: Ted Jordan, investment executive and present treasurer of Truro Rotary Club; Irene Wotherspoon, community health board member and chair of East Hants Resource Centre; David Mason, retired from the Royal Canadian Navy and provincial Department of Tourism and is a very active volunteer; Armand Goodick, child mental health worker at IWK-Grace and East Hants Community Health Board member; James Le Fresne, business personal care worker and level 2 emergency medical assistant; Krista Canning, site coordinator for the Rural Palliative Home Care project and South Colchester Community Health Board member; Brain Knox, retired business information officer and active volunteer; Joan Jamieson, supervisor with Cumberland Home Support and North Shore and Area Community Health Board member; Ancel Langille, BPR and a teacher assistance with Chignecto Regional School Board; Lloyd Gibbs, geologist, retired from the Department of Environment and has experience in working with boards; Vernon McCully, forest ranger and former member of the Northern Regional Health Board.
Acting Health Minister Peter Christie said the 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 chair will help in selecting the chief executive officers, a process already underway. 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.