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Board Meeting Hightlights

Board Highlights
November 26, 2008

At last night’s meeting of the Tri-Board of St. Joseph’s, Public General and Sydenham District Hospitals, Directors:

• Welcomed two new board members, Jim Laforet and Carolynn Barko and two new community representatives, Bob Ryan and Dan Donaldson.
• Invited a presentation by Gary Switzer, CEO, Erie St. Clair LHIN, which highlighted provincial government and LHIN priorities, provincial economic challenges, accountability agreements, Chatham-Kent’s health demographics, and the Emergency Department study.
• Heard a report from its Mission & Quality Committee regarding the status of CKHA’s review of the Coroner’s Inquest in the death of Laurie Dupont in Windsor. Learnings are being addressed through the ongoing review of medical staff by-laws and credentialing processes; the Violence Prevention in the Workplace Task Team; and code of conduct and harassment policies.
• Noted that the Mission & Quality Committee will receive monthly updates on hospital acquired infection rates (MRSA, VRE and C-diff) and actions taken to achieve a 0 rate goal. These are amongst key performance indicators which are publicly reported.
• Received the Balanced Scorecard report which highlights clinical utilization and outcomes, patient satisfaction, financial status, and system integration. Most targets in the most recent quarter are being achieved - some above provincial norm. Targets not yet being met are in regard to the budget, overtime hours, ratio of full to part time nurses, complaints (primarily related to wayfinding) and occupancy below budgeted. 
• Received the October statements from its Finance, Audit & Resources Committee noting a forecasted year end deficit of $3.6 million – an improvement from the earlier $4.5 million projection. To restore financial health, efforts to analyze and implement further cost savings are underway via an operational review.
• Heard that enhancements are being considered to the Governance section of CKHA’s website, to better demonstrate accountability and transparency to stakeholders.
• Extended congratulations to the more than 300 employees, physicians and volunteers who reached milestone years of service (totaling over 4,900 years), retirees, and Tri-Board award winners – all of whom were recognized at the annual Service Recognition event.
• Welcomed participation at the annual Christmas Wish Tree Lighting, December 12, 2008 at 7 pm at campuses in Chatham and Wallaceburg. Donations will be directed towards the purchase of a spirometry system for CKHA’s Respiratory Health Centre.

The next regularly scheduled Tri-Board meeting is December 16, 2008 beginning at 5:30 pm at the Oak’s Inn, Wallaceburg. Please note the change in time and location. Staff and public are welcomed - kindly RSVP 519-437-6001.

‘Board Highlights’ is published by the Communications & Community Relations Department for the information of staff, media and community and is posted on the Alliance’s website, www.ckha.on.ca