FREDERICTON (GNB) – Legislation has been introduced to create new boards of directors for the province’s two health authorities and to create a new health system collaboration council.
An Act Respecting the Regional Health Authorities would create new boards with up to seven voting members, each appointed by the minister.
“We are making the boards of the regional health authorities smaller to become more manageable and focused. This will result in a better governance structure that will improve the functioning of the boards,” said Health Minister Bruce Fitch.
Previously, boards had 15 voting members with seven appointed and eight elected.
“These changes will help ensure the right balance of skill sets and knowledge are present on the boards. Board members will continue to be appointed based upon competencies and other factors, including the interests of the linguistic communities, developed collaboratively with the regional health authorities,” Fitch said.
The change to having appointed board members will align New Brunswick with other provinces.
Health System Collaboration Council
The council will be made up of representatives from both regional health authorities to deliver a patient-centered, accessible, responsive health-care system. The minister will also be a member.
The council will encourage greater collaboration and will provide a provincewide perspective when evaluating the needs within the health-care system, facilitating co-operation between both regional health authorities and studying investment, development, recruitment, and clinical opportunities.
09-05-23