SARNIA & PETROLIA – June 23, 2022 – At yesterday’s Annual Meeting President & CEO Mike Lapaine reported on a number of the 2021-2022 fiscal year’s achievements. Highlights include the successful launch of the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan, the long-awaited approval of the Community Addictions Hub capital project and Bluewater Health’s continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Sarnia-Lambton saw a major influx of severe COVID-19 cases during the fifth wave of the pandemic,” said Lapaine. “Bluewater Health staff have shown great strength and perseverance through challenging times in our community. What we have accomplished this past year is a testament to the organization’s ability to collaborate and continuously grow, even during extraordinary circumstances.”
The virtual Annual Meeting was open to the public.
Newly appointed Board Chair Margaret Dragan commended the hospital’s ongoing efforts to adapt throughout the pandemic while also demonstrating a commitment to equitable experience. “Prioritizing the establishment of a new Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity (EDII) Coalition is building a foundation on which Bluewater Health can continue to flourish. Providing a safe and inclusive space for all members of our community is vital, and I look forward to the work that lies ahead as we fulfil the new strategic plan.”
Reports were also provided by Chief of Staff Dr. Michel Haddad, Board Treasurer Louis Guimond, Foundations and Auxiliaries. The professional accounting firm BDO Canada LLP was appointed as auditors for 2022-2023.
Board of Directors Appointed
Bluewater Health’s 2022-2023 Board of Directors was named at the Annual Meeting. The Board is made up of volunteers who give of their time, knowledge and skill to oversee hospital governance. Their work includes strategic planning, quality and performance monitoring, financial and management oversight, risk identification and oversight, stakeholder communication, engagement and accountability, and legislative compliance.
The 2022-2023 Board of Directors comprises Margaret Dragan (Chair), Louis Guimond (Vice-Chair), Bill Gillam (Treasurer), Brian Knott, Beverley Hand, Anthony Iafrate, Katherine Mantha, Bob McKinley, Rachael Simon, Paul Wiersma, Kirk Wilson and Barry Riedy. Non-Director Committee Members appointed to the Board’s standing committees are Carol Moore, Maria Moore and Marcie Myers.
The Board includes ex-officio, non-voting members: Mike Lapaine, President & CEO; Dr. Michel Haddad, Chief of Staff; Shannon Landry, Chief Nursing Executive; Dr. Dhiraj Dhanjani, Professional Staff Association (PSA) President; Dr. Andre Rudovics, PSA Vice-President, Sarnia; and Dr. Lincoln Lam, PSA Vice-President, Rural Health.
Annual Report Available
Bluewater Health’s 2021-2022 Annual Report to the community is now publicly available. The report includes messages from the Board Chair, President & CEO and Chief of Staff; year-end financial statements; and brief highlights of achievements related to its commitment to quality care, outstanding performance, inspired people, equitable experience and exceptional relationships. The Annual Report can be viewed by clicking here and is available on the Bluewater Health website.
ABOUT BLUEWATER HEALTH
Bluewater Health, with locations in Sarnia and Petrolia, cares for the approximately 131,000 residents of Sarnia-Lambton. With close to 2500 staff, Professional Staff and volunteers, Bluewater Health provides an array of specialized acute, complex continuing care, allied health and ambulatory care services. For more information about Bluewater Health, visit bluewaterhealth.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter, and YouTube.