17 February 2010
MONCTON (NBHC) – The New Brunswick Health Council is beginning its first province-wide citizen engagement initiative. Entitled ‘Our Health. Our Perspectives. Our Solutions.’,the engagement initiative is the first New Brunswick-wide exercise of its kind in the domain of health care.
“This is a great opportunity for New Brunswickers to share their perspective,” says NBHC CEO Stéphane Robichaud, “It is also a chance for the NBHC to present information about our health services to New Brunswickers from all corners of our province.”
Participants will consist of randomly selected New Brunswickers from across the province, along with decision-makers from the health system and representatives of community groups. Recruitment will begin shortly.
The first phase kicks off in Moncton on March 13th, followed by events in Bathurst (March 20th), Edmundston (March 27th) and Saint John (April 7th). Phase II is a return to the same locations and begins April 24th. The culmination of these meetings takes place in June, in Fredericton. A final report is expected in the Fall of 2010. The outcome of the initiative will play a significant role in developing recommendations to improve health services.
For New Brunswickers not selected who would like to comment on our health system, the conversation guide will be made available on the NBHC website prior to the launch of Phase I with an opportunity for anyone who wishes to comment at that time. Until then, New Brunswickers are urged to visit the NBHC website regularly at nbhc.ca.
The NBHC has been established as an independent organization that measures, monitors and evaluates New Brunswick’s health system performance through surveys, research, stakeholder input, and by engaging New Brunswickers. The NBHC must report on key elements, such as, the quality of care New Brunswickers are receiving within the health system and the health status of New Brunswickers.
MEDIA CONTACT:
David Gingras, 506-869-6714, david.gingras@nbhc.ca
NBHC0009E