June 16, 2010
Mr. Michael O’Keefe Chairperson, Board of Trustees Eastern Health Dear Mr. O’Keefe: It is my pleasure to submit Access – Charting the Course: The Northeast Avalon Community Health Needs Assessment to the Board of Trustees of Eastern Health. This is the third report completed as part of Eastern Health’s mandate under the Regional Health Authorities Act to assess health and community services needs on an ongoing basis. The Board’s Strategic Plan aims to complete these assessments throughout the region by 2011. To date, Eastern Health has completed assessments on the Burin Peninsula (2006) and Southern Avalon (2007); in early 2010 the Discovery Zone (Bonavista-Clarenville area) assessment began and the Conception Bay North area assessment is scheduled to commence in 2010 as well. As with past assessments, a Steering Committee of Eastern Health staff and an Advisory Committee of community members guided the process and provided valuable insight. Many representatives from the Northeast Avalon provided input and I acknowledge the level of enthusiasm and involvement in this assessment. Assessing the needs of this region was challenging due to the size of the population and comprehensiveness of services offered. As such, the process chosen for this assessment was to focus on several key issues and a limited number of recommendations to bring about meaningful changes. Additionally, the assessment highlights several priority areas on which to focus next as we strive to achieve our vision of Healthy People, Healthy Communities. The passion and commitment concerning the health and vibrancy of this region was evident throughout the process of completing this assessment. I look forward to collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to implement the stated recommendations, monitor our progress and openly report back to stakeholders. Sincerely,
Vickie Kaminski President and Chief Executive Officer Eastern Health