October 19, 2006

KITCHENER – The McGuinty government has appointed former University Health Network (UHN)    President and CEO Tom Closson as a supervisor to oversee services at Grand River Hospital, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

“We want to restore the faith of local residents in their emergency services,” said Smitherman. “There are still serious ongoing operational concerns at Grand River Hospital that have to be addressed. Appointing Mr. Closson to provide leadership and guidance at this time is in the public interest.”

Mr. Closson was appointed supervisor by Cabinet, following the recommendation of Minister Smitherman.

Mr. Closson is already at work in the region, having been appointed as an investigator to review the delivery of emergency services at hospitals across Waterloo Region and to help local hospitals develop a plan to improve their emergency services systems.

As supervisor at Grand River Hospital Mr. Closson’s initial mandate will be to resolve the staffing issues at the hospital’s emergency department and ensure the effective management of the department in the future. 

“I’m committed to working closely with the board of Grand River Hospital to find solutions to the problems facing the hospital’s emergency department,” said Closson. “As supervisor I want to ensure that emergency services at Grand River Hospital are operating at an effective level.”

Today’s initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

For further information :

Members of the media :

David Spencer, 416-327-4320
Minister's Office

John Letherby, 416-314-6197
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Members of the general public :
(416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154

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