March 14, 2000
(Health and Community Services)

Premier Brian Tobin and Minister of Health and Community Services, Roger Grimes, today thanked Sister Elizabeth Davis, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Health Care Corporation of St. John�s, for her dedicated years of service to the health care field of this province. The words of thanks followed this morning�s announcement of the Sister�s resignation.

The premier said: "In recent years our health care system has undergone significant restructuring and experienced many challenges. Sister Elizabeth�s leadership, dedication, and commitment have been responsible for the successful reorganization and integration of health care delivery in the capital region."

With the establishment of the board structure a few years ago, Sister Elizabeth took on the role of CEO with the Health Care Corporation of St. John�s in 1995. The Health Care Corporation operates at seven sites including the: Janeway Child Health Centre, Health Sciences Centre, Miller Centre, St. Clare�s Mercy Hospital, S.A. Grace General Hospital, Waterford Hospital, and Dr. Walter Templeman Community Health Centre.

As the board�s first CEO, Sister Elizabeth assumed many responsibilities including: the consolidation of the Health Care Corporation, the integration of administrative and support functions, the integration of clinical services, and the implementation of site redevelopment. Sister Elizabeth has also been responsible for overseeing the construction of the new Janeway Children�s Health and Rehabilitation Centre adjacent to the existing Health Sciences Center in St. John�s. With the new Janeway scheduled to open later this year, Sister Elizabeth will have been successful in completing the mandate of her position as she identified it six years ago.

"It will be difficult to find someone to fill Sister Elizabeth�s shoes," said Minister Grimes. "In leading the province�s largest health board, she has been both committed and dedicated. She brought a clear perspective and understanding of the intricacies of what this position required. I would like to thank her personally for the outstanding work she has done and I especially want to commend her on the success she has had in leading the St. John�s hospitals through a significant redevelopment phase."

Media contact: Carl Cooper, (709) 729-1377.

2000 03 14                                                                 5:00 p.m.