District Health Authority CEO Announced for DHA Eight

John Malcom, the current president and chief executive officer of the Cape Breton Healthcare Complex is the successful candidate for CEO of District Health Authority #8.

Mr. Malcom has been with the Complex since January 1997 and brings an extensive base of management experience and knowledge of health care to the new position. He has also worked in other health-care organizations in Nova Scotia, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Health Minister Jamie Muir said he was pleased with the announcement.

"His leadership will help guide his team through this transition," said the minister. "Under his guidance, both DHA members and the community will work together to develop a health- care system that will ensure that people get the right care, in the right place, at a sustainable cost for taxpayers."

Donald Ferguson, the newly appointed chair for the district, was involved in the selection of John Malcom as CEO. In addition, representatives of medical staff, community health boards and the Department of Health were involved in the process.

The new district health authority includes Cape Breton and Victoria counties as well as the central and northern sections of Inverness County. It is smaller than the former Eastern Regional Health Board. District health authorities will be legislated to be accountable - both to their communities and to the Department of Health - for the decisions they make and the money they spend.

DHAs will be responsible for maximizing resources and integrating parts of the health delivery system, including health prevention and promotion, diagnostic treatment, adult acute care, continuing care, public health, mental health and addiction services.

Mr. Malcom will assume his responsibility as CEO for the district on Jan. 1, 2001.