Released on November 25, 2002
The government has approved the board of a new agency that will manage mostprovincial health research funding. Members of the Saskatchewan Health
Research Foundation (SHRF) will also help the province develop a health
research strategy to make sure funding is directed to priority areas,
following the recommendations in the Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health
Care.
The new board includes representatives from the two universities, regional
health authorities, and government. Their combined experience in clinical,
biomedical and population health/health services research will ensure
support for a variety of research.
The government's Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care released last
year, increased funding for health research by $2 million.
"Our top priority is improving the quality of health care services and
access to care, while ensuring the our health care system is sustainable.
We know health research provides important information that we need to make
better decisions in the health care system," Nilson explained. "We also
know that provincial research dollars attract additional research funding
and projects. This not only benefits health care but also the provincial
economy."
The Director of the University of Saskatchewan School of Physical Therapy
Dr. Liz Harrison will serve as chair of the new SHRF. Harrison is also
Assistant Dean of the College of Medicine.
"Research plays a critical role a quality health care system for
Saskatchewan residents," Harrison said. "In addition to leading to new
disease prevention and treatment, a strong research environment is
essential to attracting top health professionals and creating high quality
academic experiences for students in a wide range of health related
disciplines."
The members of the new Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation board are:
Dr. Liz Harrison (Chair), Director, School of Physical Therapy &
Assistant Dean, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan;
Dr. Ralph Nilson (Vice-Chair), Director, Indigenous Peoples' Health
Research Centre, SIFC & Professor, Kinesiology and Health Studies,
University of Regina;
John Biss, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Learning;
Dr. Alan Boulton, President and CEO, Alviva Biopharmaceuticals
Inc.;
Dr. Neena Chappell, Sociologist and Professor, University of
Victoria;
James Cunningham, Manager of the Lombard Life Sciences Fund/Western
Life Sciences;
Dr. Louis Delbaere, Professor and Head of Biochemistry College of
Medicine, University of Saskatchewan;
Dr. Gary Glavin, Deputy Scientific Director, National Microbiology
Laboratories in Winnipeg and professor of Pharmacology &
Therapies, Community Health Services, and Surgery at the
Univerisity of Manitoba;
Dr. Murry Knuttila, Professor, Sociology and Social Studies,
University of Regina & Chair, Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health
Authority;
Pauline Rousseau, Executive Director, Policy and Planning,
Saskatchewan Health;
Hal Sanders, Acting Executive Director, Saskatchewan Industry &
Resources; and
Dr. Tom Wishart, Dean, College of Graduate Studies and Research &
Associate Vice-president of Research, University of Saskatchewan.
The SHRF is the result of changes contained in the Action Plan for
Saskatchewan\ Health Care. The plan created a Quality Council to health
system quality issues and the foundation to oversee health research
iniatives. Previously, the two functions had been the responsibility of
the Health Services Utilization and Research Commission.
Legislation to create the new Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation was
passed earlier in 2002. Operations are expected to begin early in 2003.
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For more information, contact:
Myrna Stark Leader
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4083