Minister to start regional health forums in Grand Falls-Windsor

NLIS 3
October 2, 2001
(Health and Community Services)

Julie Bettney, Minister of Health and Community Services, will start the series of regional health forums Wednesday, October 3, in Grand Falls-Windsor. The forum in Grand Falls-Windsor is the first in the series of seven regional health forums which will be taking place throughout Newfoundland and Labrador over the next month. The forums will culminate with a regional forum in Gander on November 28.

This is an open process with a wide representation from the health system and from the community," said Minister Bettney. "Through the public release of the discussion document Reaching Consensus and Planning Ahead and these regional forums, I am confident I will capture the views of many people on how we can reach a consensus for the future delivery of our health services. I am not entering this process with any preconceived ideas."

The public can access copies of the discussion document 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 at the website at /health/healthforums2001, e-mailing healthforums@gov.nf.ca or phoning 1-800-405-2570. The discussion document forms the basis for this major consultation on health issues in the province.

"Thousands of copies of this document have been circulated throughout the province," Minister Bettney. "I encourage the general public to carefully read the document and to respond to the questions asked on our health and community services system."

The second phase of the process is the series of regional forums. Minister Bettney will co-chair the forums with the province�s Strategic Social Plan chairs in the seven different locations. Key stakeholders from the health system, including community groups, have been invited to attend the forums to participate in day-long discussions about critical health system issues.

Other forums will be held in the following locations:

Clarenville	October 5
St. Anthony	October 10
Corner Brook	October 16
Happy-Valley Goose Bay	October 23
St. John�s	October 29
Salmonier	October 31

The culminating provincial forum will be held in Gander on November 28. At that time, Minister Bettney will also receive a report from the Primary Care Advisory Committee which she established under chair Kathy LeGrow to examine issues related to the delivery of primary health care by family physicians throughout the province. Primary health care is the first point of entry into the health system. It is the level where family medicine is practised, where health promotion and prevention are a priority and where people receive supportive and rehabilitative services.

"I am looking forward to starting the regional forums and having meaningful dialogue on our health system," said Minister Bettney. "We continue to face many challenges, including financial sustainability and now is the opportune time to have these discussions."

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-1377 or (709) 685-4624.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The media are invited to attend the Grand Falls-Windsor opening session from 9-10 a.m. at the Mount Peyton. This will include a presentation by Minister Bettney. The forum will conclude at approximately 4 p.m. at which time Minister Bettney will be available to speak to the media.

2001 10 02 2:35 p.m.

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