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Board representation named for new regional integrated health authorities The transition to fewer regional integrated health authorities (RIHAs) grew one step closer to completion as provincial Health and Community Services Minister John Otten heimer today named new board representation for all four RIHAs. "Health boards are among the hardest working boards in the province. I would like to thank all current board members for their tireless contributions over the past years," said Minister Ottenheimer. "Their volunteer work has made a tremendous contribution to our health and community services system." The size of the incoming boards will range from 15 members in the Central, Western and Labrador-Grenfell authorities to 18 members in the Eastern authority. Criteria including - gender balance, geographic representation, community involvement, experience and continuity - were used to select the board representation. In addition, the appointees are a blend of new representation and approximately 18 per cent of individuals currently serving with existing community and institutional boards. It is expected that the incoming boards will meet this month to begin their strategic planning, develop budget proposals and continue with the implementation of the transition. The Department of Health and Community Services will continue to provide leadership to the regional health authorities. Existing boards will remain in place to continue with day-to-day operations until midnight of March 31, 2005 when the new regional integrated health authorities assume legal responsibility and the transfer of duties is complete. In the interim, all significant operational decisions will be made in consultation with, and with the concurrence of, the incoming chairs and board members. "I look forward to working with the new boards as we work to improve the health of all our residents," added Minister Ottenheimer. Incoming board members will serve three-year term appointments. The appointment of board members is the most recent step in the transition to four regional integrated health authorities from the current 14 health boards. The announcement follows the appointment of board chairs. The CEO selection process is nearing completion and it is anticipated that new CEOs will be named in the coming weeks. A complete list of board appointments follows. Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377, 682-5093 BACKGROUNDER Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority
NOTE: (E) denotes existing board member. 2005 01 07 10:45 a.m. |
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