March 29, 2007

TORONTO – The McGuinty government has appointed Dr. Kevin Smith, President and CEO of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, to report on governance and management at Bluewater Health in Sarnia to help the hospital better meet the health care needs of the local community, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"Our government is working to improve access to quality care for patients," said Smitherman. "We're appointing Kevin Smith as an investigator to provide guidance to Bluewater Health on governance and management issues so Sarnia residents can benefit from a better and more sustainable health care system."

Smith will work closely with the hospital, community, key stakeholders and the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network. He will review and report on:

• communication issues between Bluewater Health's board and the communities served by the hospital;
• systemic issues between Bluewater Health's board and its physicians to help increase the community's confidence in the hospital's services;
• the recommendations contained in the 2005 Peer Review Report and the recent reviews of the hospital's surgical program.

"I look forward to working with Bluewater Health board members, physicians and staff to help them achieve the most open and transparent process of communication possible," said Smith. "This type of transparency is vital to ensuring Bluewater Health remains a key part of the community for many years to come."

The Investigator will provide regular updates to the ministry and will submit a report to the Minister upon completion of his duties.

For further information :

Members of the general public :
1-866-532-3161

BACKGROUNDER

Biography : Kevin Smith

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