District Health Authority Members, Chair Appointed for Lunenburg and Queens Counties

HEALTH--District Health Authority Members, Chair Appointed for Lunenburg and Queens Counties

Members and chairs of the new district health authority for Lunenburg and Queens 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 Western 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 and 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.

Roxanna Smith, past chair of the Health Services Foundation and retired X-ray technologist, is the district health authority chair for Lunenburg and Queens counties. She is joined by 11 members: Dr. George Ferrier, anesthetist at Queens General Hospital and former member of the Western Regional Health Board; Ken Wilkinson, founding member of the Queens Community Health Board; George Cook, chartered financial consultant and community volunteer; Christopher Clarke, Mayor of the Region of Queens; Jim Smith, community volunteer; Dr. Jan Sundin, senior active staff of the South Shore Regional Hospital; James Smith, licensed real estate consultant; Doug Shinyei, former health administrator with the Western Regional Health Board; Dr. David Evans, veterinarian and community volunteer; Dr. Alexander Steeves, family practitioner and community volunteer; Gordon Crouse, retired administrator of Harbour View Haven and experienced in working with boards and community initiatives.

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," said Mr. Christie.

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

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