An important part of my job as NHS Supervisor is to rebuild the Board of Directors for Niagara Health System.
As I noted in my Interim Report, I feel strongly that the communities of Niagara Region are best served by a single Board for their hospitals. I have made it clear that I believe this Board needs to seek community input to be successful, and must work to ensure there is transparency in the way the Board is selected. A key step toward reinforcing our culture of transparency and enhanced community input is the establishment of a Community Based Nominating Committee (CBNC) for the Board.
In order to begin selecting the first new Board for Niagara Health System, I intend to appoint an arms-length committee of community leaders with governance experience– the CBNC. These individuals will not become members of the new Board, but will steward the process to aid in the selection of its new members. This group will also rely on the Ontario Hospital Association’s Guide to Good Governance as a key resource, and the organization will continue to do so moving forward. The CBNC will recommend potential candidates with the right skills and abilities to carry out their responsibilities. The suggested candidates for the Board will be forwarded to me as Supervisor, at which time I will select the first Board from the CBNC’s list, taking into account ability and willingness to serve. When I am no longer Supervisor, I am recommending a similar process stay in place. More details on this ongoing process will be available in the future.
In order to have the new Board in place for the Fall/Winter, I believe we need to begin the initial nomination process now, and form the CBNC as soon as possible.
If you or someone you know is a community leader with governance knowledge and experience – and who doesn’t want to apply to the hospital Board – please consider applying to the Community-Based Nominating Committee. This committee represents a very meaningful way to serve your community, and help ensure the best governance is in place for your hospitals. To apply or recommend a candidate, please email me at nhssupervisor@gmail.com with the subject line ‘CBNC’ In coming weeks I will announce the members of this committee, along with a call for applicants to the NHS Board of Directors.
Also I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my gratitude for the many contributions of past members of the Board and Board committees of the NHS. These dedicated volunteer leaders from your community contributed countless hours to improving the health care delivery in Niagara and their service is much appreciated.
