New Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson Elected

PROVINCIAL HEALTH COUNCIL--New Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson Elected

The Provincial Health Council has elected a new chairperson and vice-chairperson.

Catherine Randall was elected as chairperson and Walter Proctor as vice-chairperson at a council meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16. Legislation enables the council to choose its own chairpersons from its membership.

Ms. Randall will replace Vivian Farrell, and Mr. Proctor will replace Tom Bird, whose terms have expired. Ms. Randall's and Mr. Proctor's appointments are effective immediately.

"I am looking forward to continuing the work of the council and enhancing relationships with the public and the health-care providers in the province," said Ms. Randall. "I'm anxious for our development of a report for Nova Scotians about their health status, based on the determinants of health and the health goals of Nova Scotia."

Ms. Randall's experience in health care began as a nurse. She received ministerial appointment to the Task Force on Nursing, the Minister's Action Committee on Health System Reform (Blueprint Committee) and the Minister's Task Force on Regionalization. She served as president for the Nova Scotia Certified Nursing Assistant Association and was Nova Scotia director for the Canadian Association of Practical Nurses/Nursing Assistants. Ms. Randall has participated in several committees, including the Labour Management Committee on Nursing and the Nursing Occupational Health and Safety Committee for the Victoria General Hospital. Ms. Randall is also a board member for Veith House in Halifax.

Mr. Proctor is a retired junior and senior high school teacher and administrator. He is the chair of the Antigonish Literacy Association and is a board member for the Antigonish Resource Centre and the Mission Assurance Advisory Council of St. Martha's Hospital.

The Provincial Health Council is a group of volunteers from across the province appointed by government. The council listens and responds to Nova Scotians on the issues of health status and the health-care system and provides advice to government on the development of comprehensive health policy.