Major consultation process on future of health system launched

The most extensive consultation process on health issues in the province�s history was launched today by the Minister of Health and Community Services, Julie Bettney. The consultation is two-fold with a separate focus for both the citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador and the key stakeholders in the health system, including community groups. Minister Bettney released a comprehensive discussion document, titled Reaching Consensus and Planning Ahead, to which she encouraged the general public to consult and respond. She also outlined details of seven regional forums and one provincial forum to be held this fall. The forums are for invited representatives of health and community groups. Consultations will occur between September and November.

"The focus of our consultations this fall is to analyze major health issues and shape the principles that will guide health care decision making in the future," said Minister Bettney. "Our health and community services system faces significant challenges, not the least of which is financial sustainability. Like other provinces, we are at an important crossroads. Now is the time for open discussion about our health system so that we can make decisions which will benefit everyone in the future."

Reaching Consensus and Planning Ahead addresses the major health issues, including health services structure, funding, delivery model, human resources, accountability and wellness. It contains a series of questions to which individuals can respond. In addition, the Department of Health and Community Services has prepared a shortened version of the document in the form of a brochure which will be distributed across the province. People will be able to access the documents and provide their comments online at: www.gov.nl.ca/health/healthforums2001/

Minister Bettney will co-host regional health forums with the province�s Strategic Social Plan chairs in seven different locations around the province throughout the month of October. These include:

On completion of the provincial forum in November, the health minister will report back to the people on what has been learned throughout the fall.

"This consultation process will also enable us to have more focused input for the Romanow Commission into the Future of Health Care in Canada," said Minister Bettney.

The public will be able to access copies of the health forum discussion paper at offices of the regional health boards, through Government Service Centres around the province, or by contacting the department by mail at P.O. Box 8700, St. John�s, NF A1B 4J6, checking the web site at www.gov.nl.ca/health/healthforums2001/, e-mailing healthforums@gov.nf.ca or phoning 1-800�405-2570.

Minister Bettney has appointed Dr. Phil Warren and Susan Hollett as facilitators for the forums. She will also release details soon of a related primary care initiative to further plan for primary health care reform in this province. This particular initiative will be conducted simultaneously with the overall health consultation process this fall.

Media contact: Karen McCarthy, (709) 729-2788

2001 09 05                                               11:05 a.m.