May 31, 2005

The Board of Directors of Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation held its regular monthly meeting May 30 at the Deer Island Community School on Deer Island. Directors were pleased to tour the Deer Island Health Centre prior to the meeting.  The following are highlights of that meeting:

Injury Prevention Strategy

Heather Oakley, Trauma Coordinator for Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation, provided Board members with an update on the Injury Prevention Strategy. “It’s important to note that this strategy is aligned with AHSC’s strategic directions,” she said. “The strategy is designed to promote and improve the health of the population. It will include all actions, interventions, programs and policies designed to eliminate or reduce the incidence of injury and make our community the safest place to live, work and play.”  Oakley described the strategy’s model and, in particular, the Wheel of Prevention to Directors. “The wheel depicts the elements of the Injury Prevention Strategy – surveillance, research, policy development and education. In the outermost ring we are committed to the addressing the determinants of health. Through partnerships and collaboration, we can attain our goal to make our community a safer place.” Dora Nicinski, AHSC CEO thanked Oakley for her update, noting that “everyone in this province is better off because of the injury prevention strategy. You have shown great leadership in this initiative.” Oakley also explained to Board members that although this strategy has been developed for Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation, there is now a provincial committee willing to share responsibility for its implementation throughout the province.

Report of the CEO

Prior to presenting her report, AHSC CEO Dora spoke of the accreditation survey by surveyors from the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation. “I give kudos to Barb McGill, VP Community Programs and Chief Nursing Officer and Cherry Thorne, Director of Quality and Risk Management for their leadership in preparing AHSC for the survey,” she said. Nicinski explained that surveyors had begun site visits and focus groups on May 29 and expected to present a brief report to staff on June 3. “The final report will then come to us sometime over the summer.”

Nicinski also updated Board members on the activities that marked Employee Recognition Week. “There were many events that took place in facilities across the region. Perhaps the most impressive was a dinner held in Saint John that recognized 97 employees who had achieved 25 years of service with Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation,” she said.

Nicinski reported that the Atlantic Sleep Centre hosted the first annual Maritime Technical Sleep Conference in May. The conference attracted participants from throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. “As the only sleep centre in New Brunswick, we feel it is important to educate and provide leadership in the newest technologies and achievements in sleep medicine,”  Nicinski explained. “It was an excellent conference and feedback indicates the program exceeded participant expectations.” The Atlantic Sleep Centre is currently preparing for its own accreditation by the American Association of SleepMedicine.

Nicinski updated Board members on the wait list for CT scans. “The implementation of an evening appointment schedule has allowed us to reduce the wait time from 23 weeks to 18 weeks,” she said.

In mentioning the successful volunteer recognition night held at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Nicinski expressed thanks to the Board Directors who volunteer their time and expertise to governing health care delivery in this region. “I recognize that this is not an easy job,” Nicinski said. “However it is one you all do very well.”

Nicinski announced, with regret, the Dr. Malcolm Brigden, Medical Oncologist, has resigned, effective September 11.

Finally, Nicinski congratulated Barb McGill, VP Community Programs and Chief Nursing Officer on her selection as recipient of the Nursing Award for Leadership from the Canadian College of Health Services Executives.

Finance Committee

The following details the financial position of AHSC for the month ended April 30, 2005. These figures are based on a preliminary budget expenditure report. Final figures will be used following receipt of the 2005-06 funding allocation:

Directors supported a resolution by the Finance Committee that the supply of audit services be awarded to Deloitte & Touche LLP as the successful bidder on RFP # 05-009.

Media Contact:
Patricia Crowdis
Director of Communications and Media Relations
(506) 648-6116

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