New appointments to HQC Board leaders in Lean, patient and family centred care

Late last week the provincial government approved the appointment of two internationally recognized health care leaders to the Board of the Health Quality Council. Effective March 27, 2013, Mike Rona and Elizabeth Crocker are members of HQC’s Board of Directors.

Mike Rona was president of Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, for 16 years. He now provides consulting services to health care systems in the United States and United Kingdom about using the Toyota Production System to transform care.

Elizabeth Crocker is Vice President of the board of the Institute for Patient and Family-Centered Care. She lives in Halifax where she owns a bookstore, and works with students, patients, and families. Ms Crocker was a keynote speaker at last year’s Quality Summit.

HQC’s Chair, Dr. Susan Shaw, said Saskatchewan will benefit from the wisdom and experience of the new board members.  “Mike Rona and Elizabeth Crocker are very well-known and respected in the global health care community,” said Shaw.  “Their expertise in Lean and patient and family centred care, respectively, will strengthen our ability to be a key support and leader in our system’s transformation efforts.”

Cabinet also approved reappointments for all other HQC Board members. Appointments are for up to 3 years; Board members can be reappointed.