New CEO named for the Centre for Health Information

Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne and Bill Fanning, board chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, today named Michael Barron as the new chief executive officer for the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information.

�Government is committed to investing in communications and information technology as a way to improve and enhance the delivery of health care by building a system where primary health care professionals can communicate and access information quickly and easily,� said Minister Osborne. �The Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information continues to play a critical role in the implementation of key projects, including the Pharmacy Network and the electronic health record. These projects will result in enhanced quality of care and improved patient safety for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. I congratulate Michael Barron on his appointment and I am sure he will continue to uphold the centre�s high standard for excellence.�

Mr. Barron will assume his new responsibilities effective immediately. A native Newfoundlander, Mr. Barron holds a bachelor of commerce as well as a master of business administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Mr. Barron has 23 years experience in health information management, the last six years as the director, Health Information Network at the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, and previously as director of information systems for the General Hospital Corporation in St. John�s.

Mr. Barron has served as the Newfoundland and Labrador representative on Health Canada�s Electronic Health Records Working Group, the Canada Health Infoway EHR Standards Steering Committee, and the Health Infostructure Atlantic EHR Steering Committee.

�Mr. Barron has made a significant contribution to the Centre for Health Information over the last six years, managing the development of this province�s electronic health record and positioning the province as a national leader in health information systems,� said Mr. Fanning. �Under his leadership, the centre will continue to expand access to quality health information for health care providers, planners, researchers and decision makers.�

The Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information was established by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to provide quality information to health professionals, the public, and health system decision-makers. Through collaboration with the health system, the centre supports the development of standards and maintains key health databases, prepares and distributes health reports, and supports and carries out applied health research and evaluations. The centre�s mandate also includes the development of a confidential and secure Health Information Network that will serve as the foundation for the provincial Electronic Health Record.

Media contact:
Tansy Mundon, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741 or tansymundon@gov.nl.ca
Ruth Marks, Centre for Health Information, (709) 757-3810

2006 08 16                                              10:30 a.m.