January 7, 1997
(Health)

Medical consultant hired for Department of Health

Dr. Ed Hunt, a Clarenville physician and former President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA), has now joined the Department of Health in the role of medical consultant, Health Minister Lloyd Matthews announced today. "I am very pleased that Dr. Hunt has chosen to join the department. He brings a considerable degree of experience and professionalism to the job," said the minister.

Dr. Hunt, a native of Bragg's Island, Bonavista Bay, is a graduate of Memorial University's Medical School. He has been practising medicine in the Clarenville area for 19 years and has been active in that community through organizations such as Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Hunt also served as President of the NLMA for the 1994/95 term.

Recruitment, and in particular, retention of physicians in areas of need will be one of the main priorities for Dr. Hunt. "I will be working very closely with the regional boards, MCP, and the province's medical association to ensure all residents of the province have an acceptable level of access to medical services," said Dr. Hunt.

Dr. Hunt replaces the retiring medical consultant Dr. Gordon Winsor. Mr. Matthews thanked Dr. Winsor for his years of service as he welcomed Dr. Hunt to the Department of Health.

Contact: Jill Sooley, (709) 729-1377.