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Written by Citizen staff
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Wednesday, 08 October 2008 |
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NORTHERN HEALTHCHARLES JAGODAWSON CREEK
A financial report shows a small surplus of $268,000 for the first two months of the fiscal year. The health region's annual operating budget is $589 million for the current fiscal.
"We expect to remain close to break-even throughout this fiscal year," said Charles Jago, chair of the Northern Health Board. "During the winter, we will see increased costs due to higher acute care volume and greater energy usage which will impact the budget."
At its meeting in Dawson Creek, the board received a report on ongoing work relating to aboriginal health in the North. Major initiatives include improved engagement with communities through the establishment of regional aboriginal health improvement committees.
Annual aboriginal health conferences have been held in the northwest, northern Interior and northeast since 2006.
Work has also focused on helping Northern Health staff, through various education opportunities, to better understand the culture of aboriginal patients. More funding has been provided to hire additional aboriginal liaison staff to further assist with communication and service challenges.
The board also heard about infection and prevention control efforts at Northern Health, which have covered all aspects of care. Staff have been working to standardize a variety of tasks across the region, including surveillance, education, best practice and the
management of potential outbreaks.
The next NH Board meeting is in December in Prince George.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 08 October 2008 )
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