September 26, 2007, Alliston, Ontario - The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Mark Rochon, with assistance from a community Advisory Committee, is actively recruiting candidates for 12 positions for a new Board of Directors to be appointed during the fall of 2007.
 
The 12-member 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. The Board member composition will reflect a mix of skills and experience required for operating a contemporary rural health care facility.

Following the resignation of the Board of Directors of Stevenson Memorial on June 8, 2007, Rochon was appointed Supervisor by the Minister of Health & Long-Term Care with a mandate that includes the oversight of operations, establishment of a new Board of Directors and review of governance issues.

"We are proactively canvassing the community and seeking expressions of interest from candidates through advertising in local media, direct approaches to potential candidates and communication with the membership of the Hospital Corporation. We are taking this multifaceted approach to attract talented individuals to the Board. In addition to expertise and skills, we want people who care deeply about Stevenson Memorial Hospital and health care in the community," said Rochon.

"It is also important for Board members to reflect strong ethics, be able to work in a team environment and be prepared to devote adequate time," said Rochon. "It is estimated that Board membership involves approximately ten hours of time each month and there will be a greater time commitment during the orientation phase."
 
The length of appointment will be staggered between three groups of four Directors, with terms ending in June 2010, June 2011 and June 2012. The terms are structured to help maintain stability and continuity on the Board. A number of governance models for the future that will achieve community engagement and stability are also being considered.

The deadline for submissions from possible candidates is Friday, October 19, 2007. The Supervisor and the Advisory Committee will evaluate submissions and conduct interviews with suitable candidates. The Advisory Committee members are Peter Gordon, Larry Keogh, Elizabeth Kirley and Dana Stehr.

More information about the responsibilities and duties of Board members can be found on the Stevenson Memorial Hospital website at http://www.smhosp.on.ca.