There will be local representation on the newly-constituted Saskatchewan Health Authority board of directors.
Dr. Janet Tootoosis of North Battleford has been named one of the 10 directors governing the new health authority.
Tootoosis will be serving a three-year term.
R.W. (Dick) Carter of Regina has been appointed as board chairperson. Grant Kook of Saskatoon has been named vice-chairperson, and the other directors include Brenda Abrametz of Prince Albert, Marilyn Charlton of Weyburn, Judy Davis of Regina, Robert Pletch of Regina, Donald Rae of Yorkton, Rosalena Smith of Pinehouse Lake and Tom Zurowski of Saskatoon.
Health Minister Jim Reiter made the announcement of the creation of the Board of Directors on Wednesday.
“It is important to our government that the Board of Directors of the new Saskatchewan Health Authority be based on competency in order to effectively guide what will be the largest organization in the province,” Reiter said.
“This distinguished group of five women and five men come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, including governance, accounting, medicine, law, education, and business. Their experience in these industries will play an integral role in guiding the transition to a single provincial health authority and achieving our goal of delivering high-quality health care for the entire province.”
The province says the board won’t begin governing operations until the Provincial Health Authority Act is proclaimed and the SHA officially launches. According to the province, for now the board will act in an advisory capacity to help guide the transition and prepare for operations.
In this role, board members will assist in reviewing and recommending potential candidates for Chief Executive Officer.
When the new SHA launches, likely in the fall, the existing 12 Regional Health Authorities (including Prairie North Regional Health Authority) will dissolve and be replaced by the Saskatchewan Health Advisory Board.
“I look forward to working closely with Minister Reiter and my board colleagues to provide leadership and guidance during the transition,” new chair Carter said in a statement.
“We share a truly remarkable opportunity to build a strong foundation for the Saskatchewan Health Authority and to improve the quality of care patients receive across our province.”
