SURREY – Fraser Health held an open meeting of its Board of Directors Feb. 3 at the Simon Fraser University Surrey Central Campus. The Board heard presentations from Fraser Health President & CEO Dr. Nigel Murray, SFU President Dr. Michael Stevenson and David Patterson, President of the Lower Mainland Purpose Society.

CEO Progress Update
Dr. Nigel Murray gave a presentation to the Board of Directors that included an update on current service levels, a financial update, recent highlights and opportunities for2010 and beyond.

Dr. Murray reported that third-quarter results for the 2009/10 fiscal year show increased year-to-date volumes in nearly all core services, demonstrating continued increased demand for services in BC’s fastest-growing health authority.

• ER visits up 38,000,or 11.8 per cent year-to-date
• Patients up 8.8 per cent, or 159 per day, to 1,964 daily average compared to 1,805 last year
• Births up 3 per cent year-to-date

Dr. Murray highlighted several milestones including the 25th anniversary of Eagle Ridge Hospital, Lower Mainland consolidation in clinical support and back office functions, pandemic H1N1 flu virus response, piloting of the myHEALTHPlan for primary care, opening of a new campus of care for seniors in South Surrey, and the opening of a new hospice in Delta.

Fraser Health continues to see financial improvement, but careful management is required through to year-end to balance the 2009/10 budget, reported Dr. Murray. Cost pressures have been managed through more efficient operations, reduced expenditures and revenue-generating measures.

Dr. Murray completed his report to the Board by looking ahead at opportunities for 2010. He noted that Fraser Health will be completing the largest “program management” reorganization of clinical operations in Canada, working towards continued progress with Healthier Community Partnerships, and exploring new models for engaging General Practitioners in the health system.

Special presentation
SFU President Dr. Michael Stevenson gave a special presentation highlighting SFU’s commitment to work collaboratively with Fraser Health in the areas of health, healing and learning. Fraser Health and SFU are natural partners in working toward the goal of improving the health of the population, Stevenson said.

He also noted that both organizations have a common interest in the ongoing development of Surrey as a major urban centre.

Board committees
The Finance & Audit committee reported that management, staff and physicians had worked to manage cost pressures and that a modest year-to-date deficit is expected to be balanced by year-end.

The Governance & Human Resources committee reported that Fraser Health is developing strategies to improve physician recruitment. The committee also reported on monitoring of overtime hours, sick leave, staff immunizations and WorkSafe BC indicators. In support of good governance and the organization’s accreditation, the board completed a self-evaluation process using an evaluation tool from Accreditation Canada that was adopted in August.

The Quality & Performance committee recommended, and the board approved motions, for medical education permits and to credential medical staff.

The Facilities committee reported that:

• Procurement continues to proceed for a private partner to design and construct the new Critical Care Tower at Surrey Memorial Hospital. 
• Up to 190 tradespeople are working daily on the new Surrey Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre, which is 55 per cent complete. 
• Work continues towards a detailed business case for redevelopment of Royal Columbian Hospital, Fraser Health's tertiary centre for cardiac, trauma and neurosciences. 
• The $35 million expansion of the emergency department and ambulatory care at Chilliwack General Hospital remains on track for opening in winter 2010/11. 
• A property, Bear Creek Lodge, near Surrey Memorial Hospital has been purchased and will be considered for renovation for health services.
• Consolidation of capital projects, real estate and facilities staff across the Lower Mainland into one department is occurring and is expected to yield cost savings.

Public presentation
David Patterson from the Lower Mainland Purpose Society gave a presentation to the Board on the Stride with Purpose program.

Public question-and-answer
As part of the Board’s commitment to public accessibility, the Board provides opportunities for the public to schedule presentations to the board and to ask questions following open board meetings.

Presentations to public board meetings and a RSS feed for news releases are also available online.

Fraser Health provides a wide range of integrated health services to the largest and fastest growing population in B.C. The health authority is committed to improving the health of the population and the quality of life of more than 1.5 million people living in communities from Burnaby to White Rock to Hope.

Media contact

Fraser Health Media Pager | 604-450-7881