District Health Authority Appointments for Pictou Co.

Members and chairs of the new district health authority for Pictou 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.

Harry Inder, chartered accountant and partner of Grant Thornton LLP is the district health authority chair for Pictou County.

The chair will be joined by 11 members: Nancy Clarke, RN, employed as public health nurse with northern region; Ken Maclean, vice-principal of Pictou Academy; Norman Lord, social worker; Janine Hagan, RN, rehabilitation and nursing care consultant; Linda Muir, RN at the Aberdeen Hospital; Nancy Fraser, retired supply minister at First United Church in Trenton; Robert Priske, retired training officer, Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Occupational Health and Safety Division; Richard Shaver, CA.; William Palmer, retired project geologist with Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources; J. Arthur MacDonald, retired principal of Pictou Elementary School; James MacArthur, retired yard agent and conductor with CNR.

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.