Commitment to Cameron Recommendations Remains Strong

Significant attention has been paid to the implementation of Madame Justice Cameron’s recommendations with 55 of the 60 recommendations complete or substantially complete.

“Since receiving the Commission of Inquiry on Hormone Receptor Testing Report in 2009, we have invested over $43 million in addressing the recommendations,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “This has helped affect clinical and operational changes, as well as cultural changes within our health care system to ensure that we provide the safest care possible.”

Milestones achieved in the past year, include:

• All laboratories in the province receiving nationally recognized accreditation;
• The Health Professions Act being proclaimed on October 5, 2012 for Medical Laboratory technologists. All technologists working in laboratories must now be licensed by their professional governing body; and,
• Implementation of the provincial Electronic Occurrence Reporting System.

The Department of Health and Community Services, along with the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information and the Regional Health Authorities, are continuing to work on various recommendations, such as the Electronic Health Records, Electronic Medical Records and peer review legislation, that are more complex in nature, require legislative changes and long-term investments.

“While we continue to implement the more complex recommendations, that does not mean we have been standing still,” said Minister Sullivan. “We have made great strides in the implementation of our Electronic Health Records with this province positioned to be among the first three provinces to establish a comprehensive health record.”

Components of Electronic Health Records that have been implemented are the ability for remote diagnostic image reviews, Client Registry, Provider Registry, telehealth services for remote or long-distance health care consultations, and the Pharmacy Network.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2013 05 09             5:50 p.m.