Highlights of the Board of Directors public meeting

Campbellton, April 29, 2014 – The Board of Directors of Vitalité Health Network held its regular public meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 in Campbellton.  

2014-2017 Regional Health and Business Plan

As part of its annual planning process, the Network has updated its Regional Health and Business Plan (RHBP) for the period 2014-2017. This plan was ratified by the Board of Directors at its in camera session and will be submitted to the Department of Health for approval by the Minister.  This three-your plan, which is a requirement under the Regional Health Authorities Act, sets out the organization’s priorities, strategic and operational objectives, list of initiatives, and detailed financial plan.

Integral to the 2014-2017 RHBP is the Network’s primary responsibility of offering and delivering care and services that are safe and of high quality. The plan in fact includes a specific strategic direction in this area. The Network is already endeavoring to better identify and meet the population’s needs.  It has also developed an accountability framework and quality plan.  Work teams have already been formed and will continue implementing a number of the initiatives included in the RHBP.   These initiatives will serve as a catalyst in the Network’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of its health care services. 

News concerning services and major projects under way

The President and CEO listed the most recent initiatives in the areas of new services and major projects under way.  The following were mentioned:

  • Early Psychosis Intervention Team in place since April 1, 2014 in the Restigouche region;
  • Telehomecare service offered by the Extra-Mural Program in the Restigouche region, with roll out continuing to August 2014;
  • First patient to receive home dialysis in Bathurst;
  • Therapeutic patio at the Campbellton Regional Hospital, with construction to begin in the coming months;
  • New location for the Chaleur Health Centre in Pointe Verte, which wlll move into the former premises of the Caisse populaire;
  • Partnership agreement with the Caisses populaires acadiennes related to awarding the administration of the Network’s business account;
  • New Surgical Suite and Integrated Breast Health Centre at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont UHC;
  • Major renovation project at the Chaleur Regional Hospital;
  • Construction of a new Addiction Services Centre in Edmundston;
  • Renewal of the Network’s website.

Surveys on the experience of inpatients

The President and CEO presented the key results of the most recent monthly inpatient satisfaction survey. 

The results show that the Network obtains very high levels of satisfaction (90% and over) for 18 of the 20 indicators, especially for relieving pain and discomfort (98%) and respect for privacy (98%). The overall satisfaction ratings are lower for some indicators, including cleanliness of rooms (91%), meals (77%), and peace and quiet (91%).   The Network is planning to hire students this summer to increase the participation rate and conduct targeted surveys on specific issues, such as noise levels and meal quality.

Excellent financial and operational performance – 6.1% reduction in operating expenditures

The implementation of the Network’s plan targeting a 2% annual improvement in performance and productivity is unfolding as planned. To February 28, the Network had accumulated an operating surplus of $10.2 million.   This surplus is primarily due the Network’s reduced operating expenditures (before salaries and benefits), which dropped 6.1% compared to the same period last year, i.e. for the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, from April 2013 to February 2014. This represents a saving of $8.7 million. Also noted were a drop of 283 full-time equivalents (FTEs), a 19% drop in overtime hours, and a 5.1% drop in sick leave compared to the same period last year.

The Network has achieved its objectives set at the start of the year with respect to financial and operational performance as well as quality of care. In fact, 21 of the 33 indicators monitored in the Health Authority’s scorecard have met or exceeded the targets set. In terms of quality indicators, the results for 11 of the indicators are higher than last year. In terms of financial indicators, all the targets have been met or exceeded. 

“The Department of Health has agreed to leave the surplus accumulated during the current year at the Network’s disposal for reinvestment in the care and services that we wish to deliver to our fellow citizens in 2014-2015,” explained the President and CEO.  “These positive results show that we are on the right track, and I would like to sincerely thank all of the Network’s employees for their commitment and contributions to achieving our objectives,” Mr. Volpé concluded.