A new appointment for Jeanne Jonusaitis
Friday, June 15, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
NEWS RELEASE
NORTH EAST COMMUNITY
CARE ACCESS CENTRE
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AGM focuses on clients, staff, and key partnerships
SUDBURY - The Board of Directors of the North East CCAC took their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the road this year, as proceedings were conducted today at Pioneer Manor, part of the North East Centre of Excellence for Seniors’ Health.
Over 75 clients, staff community partners and Pioneer Manor residents were in attendance.
“It just makes sense to collaborate with our community partners who continue to be staunch supporters of the North East CCAC and allies in ensuring a strong, coordinated and seamless system of care for Northeastern Ontario,” stated Board Chair, Ron Farrell.
The Board appointed several directors who were serving interim terms, and welcomed new board member, Jeanne Jonusaitis, of Sault Ste. Marie, to a three-year term.
Ms. Jonusaitis brings a wealth of experience in health care, retiring as a member of the senior management team at Algoma Public Health after a 32 year career in the Public Health field.
Jeanne will serve as the voice of the Algoma region on the Board, replacing Treasurer Anthony Rossi of Sault Ste. Marie, who was thanked for his two terms of service to the North East CCAC.
In their reports, Board Chair Ron Farrell and Chief Executive Officer Richard Joly outlined a number of the past year’s key accomplishments, including an Accreditation Primer Award from Accreditation Canada.
The accreditation process confirms that an organization is meeting or exceeding client care, quality control and safety standards.
Partnerships established around the Home First philosophy – which helps clients discharge safely from hospital to receive nursing care and personal support at home – and the resulting success in helping address ALC issues in northern communities, were also noted.
Following the AGM, the Board hosted a lively panel discussion, which focused on the importance of developing partnerships with primary care providers.
Moderated by CEO Richard Joly, the panel featured family physician Dr. Thomas Crichton, with the City of Lakes Family Health Team, nurse practitioner Donna Kearney from the Rosseau Nursing Station, Kristiina Leinala, a frontline CCAC Case Manager/Care Coordinator, and Estelle Groulx, a North East CCAC client.
“The most recent Provincial budget affirmed the importance of primary care and its role within the health care system,” said Richard Joly. “We are establishing closer partnerships with Family Health Teams by placing CCAC nurses directly on site, and the new Telehomecare program is placing a greater focus on health monitoring and prevention of hospital admissions.”
KPMG presented the audited financial statements, while Board Treasurer Pat McAuley delivered a positive financial report which saw the North East CCAC balance its budget for the fifth consecutive year, a notable accomplishment in a difficult fiscal environment.
Board Chair Ron Farrell credited staff for the organization’s success in 2011-2012.
“From our engaged frontline employees to the leadership team to the CEO’s office, we are grateful to all staff of the North East CCAC for their dedication over the past year. Together, we remain focused on a singular goal – to provide the highest quality care to meet the growing needs of our clients, caregivers and families in Northeastern Ontario.”
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