New National Health Council Member Appointed
Dr. Alex Gillis will be Nova Scotia's newest member of the National Health Council.
Health Minister Angus MacIsaac announced today, Nov. 26, that Dr. Gillis, current vice president, professional and academic affairs for the IWK Health Centre, will replace Dr. Tom Ward as one of Nova Scotia's two representatives on the 27-member council.
Premier John Hamm appointed Dr. Gillis to the council, effective Jan. 1, 2005.
"Dr. Gillis is well-respected as a doctor, and as an administrator," said Premier Hamm. "We've been fortunate to have his vision and dedication in our health-care system for so long, and I know he is willing and capable of giving a voice to Nova Scotians in shaping the future of health care in Canada."
Dr. Gillis served as the chief of surgery at the IWK Health Centre from 1965 to 1994 and was instrumental in developing a pediatric surgical service in the Maritimes. Following his retirement from the IWK, Dr. Gillis moved to Saudi Arabia where he was the chief of medical services for the Saudi Arabian National Guard in Riyadh and Jeddah. He returned to the IWK in the role of vice president of professional and academic affairs, and has served as interim president and CEO in 2002 and 2004.
"I am pleased and honoured to become a member of the National Health Council," said Dr. Gillis. "I look forward to working with council members and other Canadians with the shared goal of achieving the best in health care for all of our people."
Dr. Gillis is past president of the Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons, as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.
"Dr. Gillis has direct experience working with patients, as well as knowledge and interest in all areas of health care," said Mr. MacIsaac. "His judgment, high standards of care, and communication skills will be an asset as a member of the health council."
Candidates are selected and recommended by the provincial health ministers based on criteria including experience as a health-care professional, experience with patient issues, background in administration, academia, governance, finance and business, as well as leadership in the field and community involvement.
Simone Comeau Geddry of Meteghan River, Digby Co., is Nova Scotia's other public representative. She is a bilingual registered nurse, former hospital administrator, and former policy advisor and consultant with the Nurses Association of New Brunswick.
The health council was a key commitment of the February 2003 First Ministers Accord on Health Renewal. It will monitor and make annual public reports on the implementation of the accord.
The council, which is made up of the chair, 13 expert/public representatives, and 13 government representatives, reports to the federal/provincial/territorial ministers of health.