May 29, 2008 - ALLISTON, ON. - The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, (SMH) Mark Rochon, announced today the appointment of SMH Board-designate Officers. The names and positions of Board Officers are Ted Vandevis, Chair; Scott Anderson, Vice Chair; and John Swinden, Treasurer.

Rochon also announced the establishment of six Standing Committees and the appointment of four ex-officio SMH Board Directors. They are Beryl Burroughs, President of the SMH Auxiliary; Dr. Trevor Hunt, Chief of Staff; SMH; Dr. Oswaldo Ramirez, President of the Medical Staff SMH; and Marilyn Holmstrom, President of the SMH Foundation.

"We are establishing a Board and Committee structure that involves all Directors and ensures accountability and good governance practices," said Mark Rochon, Supervisor of SMH. "I am deeply impressed by the strong leadership capabilities of this team and its unwavering commitment to ensure that Stevenson Memorial Hospital continues to deliver quality health care to residents."

The Standing Committees established by the Board are closely tied to its core responsibilities. The Terms of Reference and membership of the Standing Committees will be approved annually by the Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Governance Committee.

All members of the Board of Directors are expected to serve on at least one Standing Committee and each Standing Committee includes at least three elected Directors. With the exception of the Executive Committee and the Governance Committee, each Standing Committee may also include up to two additional members who are not directors of the Corporation with appropriate skills and expertise to support the work of the Committee.

"Our group of Board volunteers from across the community has been working diligently during the past months with Hospital Supervisor Mark Rochon to build a strong foundation for the future," said SMH Board-designate Chair, Ted Vandevis. "We are eager to work with hospital staff, the public and our health partners around the region to deliver quality, stable services to the community."

Also announced today was the appointment of SMH Board member Paul Farley, who brings legal expertise to the Board. Since 1984, Paul has served as Senior Counsel to the Professional Conduct Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario. Paul's current and past volunteer experience includes serving as Chair of the Financial Services Commission of the Ontario Advisory Board and Chair of the High School Community Council in Bradford.

Biographical summaries of all SMH Board members can be found on the SMH web site in the News and Publications section under news releases for December 17, 2007 (http://www.smhosp.on.ca/).

The new SMH Standing Committees, with a brief description of the primary responsibilities of each, and the members are:

Executive Committee - The Executive Committee oversees the exercise of such powers as may from time to time be given to it by resolution of the Board and exercises the full powers of the Board in all matters of administrative urgency, reporting every action at the next meeting of the Board. The Executive Committee also reviews the performance of the CEO and the Chief of Staff. Current members include:

• Ted Vandevis (Chair)
• Scott Anderson
• Gilles Madore
• Catherine Morden
• Pat Morrison
• John Swinden

Quality Committee - The Quality Committee focuses on the quality of patient care and patient safety. The committee monitors reports and provides advice to the Board on matters related to planning, programming and policies that affect patients who utilize the hospital's services. Current members include:

• Gilles Madore (Chair)
• Beryl Burroughs, President of SMH Auxiliary
• Alan Dresser
• Dr. Trevor Hunt, Chief of Staff
• Catherine Morden
• Dr. Oswaldo Ramirez, President of the Medical Staff

Governance & Nominations Committee - The Governance & Nominations Committee will establish and review annually the Board of Directors in relation to skills, identifying any gaps in skills and expertise and vacant positions and nominate Directors for consideration by the Board. The Committee will also review and, where necessary, recommend amendments to existing Board Policies and hospital by-laws for consideration by the Board. Current members include:

• Scott Anderson (Chair)
• Paul Farley
• Hart Holmstrom
• John Ytsma

Communication Committee - The Communications Committee will recommend to the Board policies and processes required to ensure effective ongoing communications and positive relationships between the SMH, its membership and the communities served by the Hospital. Current members include:

• Catherine Morden (Chair)
• Hart Holmstrom
• Debbie Hudson
• Pat Morrison
• John Swinden

Finance & Human Resources Committee - The Finance & Human Resources Committee will recommend an annual budget for capital and operating revenues and expenditures. The Committee will also review policies guiding the effective deployment and health and safety of all staff and volunteers. Current members include:

• John Swinden (Chair)
• Scott Anderson
• Marilyn Holmstrom, President of SMH Foundation
• Debbie Hudson
• Marilyn Lawrence

Audit Committee - The Audit Committee will review and approve the Audit Plan and receive the Engagement letter in advance of each year's external audit. The Committee will also review and recommend to the Board for approval the Corporation's annual audited statements. Current members include:

• John Swinden (Chair)
• Scott Anderson
• Marilyn Holmstrom, President of SMH Foundation
• Debbie Hudson
• Marilyn Lawrence

The Board governs the affairs of the hospital and provides strategic leadership and oversight of operations subject to the Public Hospitals Act, hospital by-laws and other requirements. Oversight of SMH operations will be transitioned from the Hospital Supervisor to the Board in the near future.