NLIS 10
September 29, 2003
(Health and Community Services)

 

Minister announces process to assess public health capacity and infection control

Health and Community Services Minister Gerald Smith today announced two processes to assess public health capacity and infection control in the province and prepare for the future.

"The SARS experience in Ontario and British Columbia last winter served as a reminder to all provinces about the importance of public health capacity and ensuring proper infection control policies and procedures are in place. Our province did not experience any suspect or probable SARS cases, yet it is still important to ensure that we are prepared to deal with such incidents," said Minister Smith. "When these types of situations occur in other provinces it is incumbent on us to learn from those experiences, and determine, what, if anything, needs to be improved, changed or enhanced."

First, Minister Smith has asked the chief medical officer of health , the regional medical officers of health and the director of public health laboratories, to form a committee to review the forthcoming recommendations of the National Advisory Group on SARS and Public Health. The minster has asked the committee to identify the implications of the advisory group report for Newfoundland and Labrador, and make recommendations to improve public health capacity in this province.

The minster also noted that the advice of this committee will help prepare the provincial government to participate in national discussions on the evolution of new public health programs and organizations in the country.

Second, a task force on infection control policies and procedures in provincial institutions will be chaired by Dr. Ian Bowmer, dean of the Memorial University Medical School and infection control specialist. Dr. Bowmer will be joined by Marion Yetman, infection control nurse coordinator with the Health Care Corporation of St. John�s and past-president of the Community and Hospital Infection Control Association (CHICA) in Newfoundland and Labrador, Joanne Baird, team leader in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Central Newfoundland Regional Hospital, and Beverley Griffiths, regional consultant with the Board Services Branch of the Department of Health and Community Services. The task force is mandated to travel throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to consult with acute and long-term care institutions and front-line health care workers.

"This task force has the expertise, including front-line experience, necessary to lead this important piece of work. In talking with both management and health care workers at institutions, they should get a clear understanding of provincial infection control capabilities. I look forward to receiving their recommendations," said Minister Smith.

The work of both groups is expected to take approximately four months to complete, at which time they will make recommendations to the minister.

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377

2003 09 29                                       4:55 p.m.


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