2005-81July 21, 2005For immediate release
Ottawa -- The Government of Canada today announced the appointment of Dr. Brian Postl as the Federal Advisor on Wait Times. In this role, Dr. Postl, currently President and CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, will work with the federal, provincial and territorial governments to achieve commitments made by First Ministers in the 10-Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care.
"The Prime Minister and I are very pleased that Dr. Postl has agreed to accept this position," said Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh. "I'm convinced that his credibility and experience in the health care system will serve to help us all meet the commitments set out in the 10-Year Plan."
First Ministers committed in the 10-Year Plan to dual objectives of better management of wait times and the measurable reduction of wait times in five priority areas (cancer, heart, diagnostic imaging, joint replacements and sight restoration). Governments committed to establishing comparable indicators and evidence-based benchmarks for wait times by December 31, 2005, and multi-year targets to achieve priority benchmarks by December 31, 2007.
"Our objective is clear: to ensure that Canadians receive the health care they need when they need it. Canadians want to see results." Minister Dosanjh added.
To advance further action on the complex and challenging task of achieving meaningful reductions in wait times, Dr. Postl will engage in dialogue with governments, health care providers and researchers to:
identify and continue to develop consensus on establishing comparable indicators and evidence-based benchmarks;
assess knowledge gaps and find ways to address them;
encourage the adoption of methods and tools to better manage wait times; and
provide advice on the best ways to move forward with further work on wait times.
Dr. Postl has vast experience in the health care system as an administrator, physician and academic. He has also served on a number of health-related boards, including the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the Canadian Patient Safety Institute, the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, Canada Health Infoway and the Health Council of Canada.
Dr. Postl, who assumes his position effective immediately, will report regularly to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health on the progress of his discussions.
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Media Enquiries:
Adèle BlanchardOffice of Minister DosanjhMinister of Health(613) 957-0200
Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
