District Health Authority Appointments for Cumberland Co.

The chair and members of the new district health authority for Cumberland County 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.

Community volunteer Bruce Saunders, is the district health authority chair for Cumberland County.

He is joined by 11 members: Doug Marshall, All Saints Community Health Care Foundation member; Ronald Scott, Springhill & Area Healthy Community Society; Howard Spence, founding member of Springhill & Area Liaison Committee; Jacqueline Beal, public health nurse and volunteer; Doris Soley; South Cumberland Community Care Centre Hospital Foundation; Veronica Richards, psychiatric nurse and clinical therapist; Ruth Main, community health board member and administrator, Day Care Centre for Disabled and Handicapped Adults; Nancy McLelan, Pugwash & Area Community Health board member; Beryl MacDonald, lawyer and community volunteer; Dr. Krystian Szczesny, Amherst doctor; and Dora Fuller, community volunteer.

Acting Health Minister Peter Christie said 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 chair 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 the spring of 2000, sets out the legislative framework for the new health care direction.