The Board of Directors of Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation held its regular monthly meeting January 30 at the Grand Bay-Westfield Centrum. The following are highlights of that meeting: 

Chairman’s Remarks

As this meeting marked the beginning of a new year, Board of Directors Chairman William Teed, Q.C., opened the meeting by sharing thoughts about priorities throughout the coming year with Board members. “We must always be cognizant of the big picture and ensure the Mission, Vision and Values set by the Board are guiding this organization and that strategic directions are being met.” 

Teed mentioned that we have been very successful in recruiting physicians and other health professionals and that this “must continue to be a high priority for us.” Teed also told members that he was hopeful that funding would be approved for projects like the Integrated Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department expansion at the Saint John Regional Hospital. “We must also continue to support the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation throughout the PET/CT fundraising campaign.” Teed thanked all Board members for their ongoing commitment to health care delivery in Region 2. 

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Saint John Branch

Board President Terrance MacNeil delivered a presentation to Board members that explained who the CMHA – Saint John Branch, Inc. is what it does and the various ways this voluntary agency is able to accomplish its vision of promoting mental health for all. AHSC Chairman William Teed, Q.C. thanked Mr. MacNeil for his presentation and noted, “Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation’s responsibility in Mental Health has increased since integration, making it very appropriate that you present to us this evening.” 

Report of the CEO

In her report AHSC President and CEO Dora Nicinski spoke on the recent appearance by Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation before the Crown Corporation Review Committee of the provincial Legislature. “We went well prepared and our presentation was well-received,” she said. 

Nicinski advised Board members that an engineering report has identified structural problems in the Stores Department at the Saint John Regional Hospital. It is recommended that steel reinforcement be installed in the flooring in high traffic areas. We currently await the report of a second engineering evaluation prior to planning short and long term solutions. 

In updating members of the Code Orange Internal Policy at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Nicinski explained that this policy was developed to respond to the need for patient stretcher spaces in the Emergency Department, especially during times of high patient volume. 

Nicinski reported that one of our radiation therapy treatment units (Linear Accelerators) is “down” awaiting replacement of parts. All those patients formerly receiving cancer treatments on this machine have been accommodated on the other Linear Accelerator or on a cobalt treatment unit. “Staff has worked very hard to accommodate all patients as quickly as possible. That means we have also extended the department’s hours of operation,” she explained. 

Nicinski advised Board members that the Canadian Medical Association has withdrawn accreditation for the radiation technology education program. Current students entered an accredited program and so will graduate from an accredited program. Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation may next apply for accreditation in 2007 and we do intend to re-apply. “We will use this time to ensure all accreditation standards are met,” said Nicinski. 

Nicinski ended her report by pointing out to Board members the number of outstanding achievements among AHSC staff members. “I could go on for some time commending staff. The fact is that we have many dedicated and qualified physicians, nurses and other health professionals in this organization,” she said.

 Medical Advisory Committee

AHSC Chief of Staff, Dr. Brian Wheelock announced to Board members that Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation is a member of the national Safer Healthcare Now Campaign.  Dr. Wheelock has been appointed Chairman of a provincial patient safety committee.

Finance Committee

                                                                                     9 months                       9 months

                                                                                    ended Dec 2004 ended Dec. 2005

Shareable (Deficit)                                                          ($4.111 M)                     ($1.931 M)

Medicare Deficit                                                             ($0.622 M)                     ($0.600 M)

Non-shareable Surplus                                                   $0.304                          $0.676 M

Board Surplus                                                                $1.527 M                       $1.143 M

Amortization of Assets                                                   ($1.443 M)                     ($1.711 M)

Total (Deficit)                                                                 ($4.345 M)                     ($2.423 M)

 Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) 05-027 to market in November for a three-year contract for the discretionary management of AHSC’s investment funds beginning March 1, 2006. Following an evaluation process, the Finance Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the three year contract for the discretionary management of AHSC’s investment funds be awarded to SEI Investments for a total estimated contract value of $173,250. This recommendation was passed by the Board of Directors.

The Finance Committee also recommended to the Board of Directors that a contract in the amount of $4,764,260 ($3,200,000 for equipment supply, $582,000 for turn-key construction project and $982,260 for a post-warranty service support agreement) be awarded to GE Medical Systems for the supply and turn-key installation of a PET/CT system and provision of service support coverage for five-year post-warranty period. This recommendation subsequently passed also. William Teed, Q.C. made special mention of the fact that this PET/CT will be funded through a capital campaign of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. “The SJRH Foundation is a continuing source of support to patient care in our region, “said Teed.  These volunteers are important partners in ensuring the physicians, nurses and other health professionals at the Saint John Regional Hospital have access to the latest technology in caring for their patients.”

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Patricia Crowdis
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