New Health Authority Members, Chairs Appointed
Members and chairs of the new district health authorities were appointed today. These individuals can now push forward and set the new direction for health care committed by government.
The nine district health authorities are generally smaller than the former regional health boards, allowing for more focussed management on community needs. Communities already are seeing a greater voice in decisions as two-thirds of the authority members are 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 Nova Scotians will receive 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 following individuals were appointed as chairs: Roxanna Smith, retired X-ray technologist and community volunteer, District 1 (Lunenburg and Queens counties); Ronald Horrocks, retired chief firefighter, arbitrator/negotiator, District 2 (Shelburne,Yarmouth, and Digby counties); David Logie, business vice-president and past hospital and health board member, District 3 (Annapolis and Kings counties); Bruce Saunders, retired bank manager and community volunteer, District 5 (Cumberland County); Harry Inder, managing partner in an accounting firm, District 6(Pictou County); Colleen Cameron, present lecturer to clinical associate community health nursing and clinical supervisor geriatrics at St. Francis Xavier University, District 7 (Antigonish, Guysborough and Richmond counties); Donald Ferguson, pharmacist, District 8 (Cape Breton, Victoria and Inverness counties); and Bruce McLaughlin, lawyer, Capital District Health Authority (Halifax Regional Municipality and West Hants). The chair for District 4 (Colchester County and East Hants Municipality) will be appointed shortly.
Acting Health Minister Peter Christie said that both the chairs, and 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 chairs will now 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.