New Members Appointed to North West LHIN Board of Directors

Thunder Bay, ON, April 07, 2017 – The Public Appointments Secretariat of the Province of Ontario, by an Order-in-Council, has appointed three new members to the North West Local Health Integration Network’s Board of Directors.

Dorothy Piccinin, a resident of Thunder Bay since 1969, was appointed on March 1, 2017 for a three-year term. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, a Bachelor in Sociology and a Master in Community College Education. She became a faculty member of Confederation College in 1969 until her retirement in 2005. While at Confederation College, Dorothy was a Professor in the Applied Arts and Health Sciences Division, and acted as the coordinator of the General Arts and Science Program, as well as Acting Chair of the division. In addition, Dorothy developed the Pre-health Sciences Program, and in retirement developed the curriculum for Interprofessional Education in the Health and Human Services. She also has experience using alternate delivery methodologies to provide education to outlying regions, and has experience serving in several volunteer capacities, including as a long-time Board Member and Chair for the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, 10 years as a volunteer at Shelter House through her church, as well as volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Hospice through the Hospice Northwest. “I believe that if you want something to happen, then you have to get involved. Since universal health care is important to me, I wanted to be involved with a board that can make a difference by continuing to make that a reality,” says Dorothy. “My role on the LHIN Board means that I can take an active role in ensuring that health care in Northwestern Ontario will meet the needs of each and every person who lives here.”

Also appointed on March 1, 2017 for a three-year term, Beatrice Metzler’s professional career involved research and consulting projects throughout Northwestern Ontario where she developed a foundation of knowledge and understanding of socio-economic factors affecting the region and its future. Her career included small business consulting, project management, and identifying and coordinating training for Northwestern Ontario’s industrial trades. She also held the position of Adjudicator with the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board, presiding over hearings, and advancing sound decision-making and objectivity in cases that were presented before her. Beatrice served her community in the public health and public education sectors, where she demonstrated outstanding commitment to sound governance and strategic leadership. She was an elected Trustee to the Lakehead Board of Education, serving six years, including the positions of Vice-Chair, Audit Chair and Budget Chair. She was also appointed to the Thunder Bay District Board of Health, a position she held for eight years. Beatrice is a graduate of Lakehead University and resides in Thunder Bay. “As a member of the North West LHIN Board of Directors, I look forward to doing my part to help shape a healthier Northwestern Ontario community. I believe it’s essential to develop sustainable health services without compromising quality, services that the average person can reasonably access.”

Appointed on March 8, 2017 for a three-year term, Cindy Jarvela, a resident of Thunder Bay, has spent more than 35 years in health care and administration. She has an extensive background in nursing, having held numerous positions including Registered Nurse, Nursing Supervisor and Director of Nursing in various organizations throughout Thunder Bay. She was the Administrator of a Long-Term Care Home and Supportive Housing Program. Cindy is a graduate of Lakehead University with an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and also holds an Administrator’s Certification from the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS). She’s also certified as a Lean Facilitator. Cindy has served on the North West Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) Board of Directors, OANHSS Board of Directors and has also served as Regional Chair for OANHSS. In addition, she served on several advisory committees related to Long-Term Care and Housing and Home and Community Care. “I am committed to improving systems in health care delivery and see my involvement on the North West LHIN Board as a great opportunity to continue contributing to health care planning and funding for communities across the Northwest region,” says Cindy.

Gil Labine, Chair, North West LHIN Board of Directors, says: “We are pleased to welcome three new members to the North West LHIN Board of Directors. Their unique insight and expertise will be invaluable as the North West LHIN moves forward with implementation of Patients First and the Health Services Blueprint, while continuing to serve the people of Northwestern Ontario. We look forward to working with Beatrice, Cindy and Dorothy in advancing an integrated health care system in our region.”

QUICK FACTS

• Currently, the Board of Directors is comprised of: Gil Labine (Thunder Bay), Dan Levesque (Geraldton), Carol Neff (Thunder Bay), Cathy Farrell (Thunder Bay), Tina Copenace (Kenora), Darryl Allan (Fort Frances), Tim Berube (Thunder Bay), Herb ZoBell (Thunder Bay), Beatrice Metzler (Thunder Bay), Dorothy Piccinin (Thunder Bay), and Cindy Jarvela (Thunder Bay).
• The role of the LHIN Board of Directors is to oversee, advise on and govern the strategic direction and priorities of the LHIN.
• Directors are appointed by an Order-In-Council, through a process administered by the Public Appointments Secretariat, for a term of up to three years, and may be appointed for one further term.
• The Chair and the Directors are appointed based on their expertise, experience, leadership skills and the needs of the LHIN and are accountable, through the Chair, to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care for the LHIN’s use of public funds and for its results in the local health system.
• The North West LHIN is responsible for planning, funding and integrating local health services – hospitals, long-term care homes, the Community Care Access Centre, community health centres, community support services, mental health and addictions agencies, independent health facilities, family health teams, aboriginal health access centres, among others.
• The North West LHIN and its Board of Directors are responsible for more than $650 million of health care services delivered in Northwestern Ontario.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Hugh Mullally, Corporate Communications & Community Engagement Consultant
807-684-9425, extension 2013
Toll free 1-866-907-5446
[email protected]

Petronilla Ndebele, Director, Corporate Communications & Community Engagement
807-684-9425, extension 2039
Toll free 1-866-907-5446
[email protected]

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