Highlights of the Board of Directors regular public meeting
Edmundston, December 6, 2016 – The regular public meeting of the Board of Directors of Vitalité Health Network was held on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, in Edmundston.
Organizational performance – positive results
The Network reported its financial results for the first six months of the current fiscal year, i.e. from April 1 to September 30, 2016. The organization recorded an operating surplus of $3.74 million, with income up by $1.66 million and expenditures down by $2.08 million. The Network also recorded 6,156 fewer overtime hours overall. Sick leave hours have dropped by 2,209 compared to the same period last year.
Several Network physicians distinguished themselves at the provincial and national levels
In recent weeks, several current or former physicians of the Network distinguished themselves or received appointments at the provincial and national levels.
Dr. Jean Soucie was awarded the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) Order of Merit. The NBMS wanted to recognize his outstanding commitment and contribution to the profession. Dr. Soucie, who is now retired, was a member of the medical staff of the Edmundston Regional Hospital for nearly 40 years. The NBMS also granted the Dr. Garfield Moffatt award to Dr. Jean-Pierre Arseneau, Bathurst. This award highlights his commitment to excellence in patient care, medical education, community work, and quality of life.
Seven Network physicians were appointed as NBMS Life Members in recognition of their long-time service to their community:
- Dr. Byron Barnhill, Bathurst
- Dr. Julien D’Astous, Moncton
- Dr. Anna-Viola Dugas, Bathurst
- Dr. Dennis Furlong, Dalhousie
- Dr. Michael Johnston, Dalhousie
- Dr. Pierre Martin, Edmundston
- Dr. Bruno Selosse, Caraquet
Dr. Samuel Daigle received the Reg L. Perkin Award from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. This makes him one of the ten “Canada’s Family Physicians of the Year” for 2016. Dr. Daigle is a member of the medical staff of the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst.
Dr. Alex Laevsky was appointed as President Elect of the New Brunswick Psychiatric Association for 2017-2018. He works at the Restigouche Hospital Centre and Campbellton Regional Hospital.
Program for victims of sexual assault and spousal abuse
As part of an initiative resulting from the Plan for Greater Equity in the Provision of Health Care Services 2013-2018 (commonly known as the catch-up plan), the Network launched a sexual assault nurse examiner training program. This nursing program, better known as SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), specializes in care for victims of sexual assault and spousal abuse. It provides victims with discrete, respectful treatment that protects their dignity. “Since it was implemented in the Network about 11 months ago, the program has helped 31 victims,” stated Allison White, Emergency Services Director and person in charge of the program. “78% of these victims were under 18 years of age and over 50% of them were under 13 years of age.”
Major capital and renovation projects
The Network provided an update on its major capital and renovation projects for 2016-2017. “As regards the long-term capital budget, we have an envelope of $29.8 million this year,” said Gisèle Beaulieu, Vice-President, Performance, Quality and Corporate Services. Projects under way include the new surgical suite and the morgue at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, the wastewater treatment lagoon at the Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital, the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Youth in Campbellton, and the expansion of the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst.
Still for 2016-2017, the Network has a budget of $2.2 million for major renovation projects, including the pharmacy at the Edmundston Regional Hospital and the sleep clinic at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre.
