ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland, June 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The delegates at the National Health Leadership Conference voted for their top three motions to be debated today at NHLC’s second and final day. The top three motions are meant to take a deeper dive in the Debate’s previous top issues: mental health, Indigenous health and seniors’ health. The movers of each motion will go head-to-head in a debate moderated by Mr. André Picard, Globe and Mail’s renowned national affairs columnist and reporter at 8:30am at the St. John’s Delta Hotel Conference Centre.

The showdown will take place as an election-style debate, where Mr. Picard and the Conference delegates will grill each of the three presenters on the merits of their motion. 

The top three motions were shortlisted yesterday through a vote, down from eight motions. They are:

  1. Achieving Universal Mental Health Care                                                                            
    Be it resolved that health leaders continue to support increased investments and policy changes to overcome the factors that impede achieving universal access to a full continuum of evidence-based mental health services and supports for all people in Canada.
    Debater: Nicholas Watters, Director, Knowledge Exchange Centre, Mental Health Commission of Canada
  2. Indigenous Health                                                                                                       
    Resolved that, in order to understand and address the patient safety incidents experienced by Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) people, Canadian healthcare leaders and Indigenous communities will jointly develop a meaningful consultation process that respects diverse, holistic approaches to health, and recognizes the importance of strengthening health literacy and patient engagement as critical conditions for patient safety.
    Debater: Jan Byrd, Patient Safety Improvement Lead, Canadian Patient Safety Institute
  3. Family Caregivers of Seniors                                                                                                         
    Resolved, that Canadian healthcare leaders recognize and embrace family caregivers of seniors as valued members of the healthcare team by committing within the next two years to changing the culture in the healthcare system to actively involve family caregivers in care settings and by educating healthcare providers on the value of respecting and acknowledging the crucial role family caregivers play.
    Debater: Dr. Anwar Haq – Covenant Network of Excellence in Seniors’ Health and Wellness

The debate will conclude with a final vote for the winning motion – the one that delegates feel should be the highest priority to advance the healthcare system.

Issue briefs have been developed for the eight motions, they can be accessed here.

Greg’s Story – 3:15 pm
Other events highlights includes a special closing plenary session which sets the tone about the foundational role of leadership in fostering culture of person centered care and active engagement. The session will start with the screening of the short film “Falling Through the Cracks: Greg’s Story” which tells the story of Greg Price who was 30 years old when he began developing health issues. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer and fell through the cracks and ultimately died as a result of preventable complications and a series of system failures.  The Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) launched an investigation into Greg’s Story, which resulted in a report recommending 18 changes be implemented to better deliver care – including a province-wide personal patient portal and e-referral system.  The screening of the film will be followed by a panel discussion with Mr. Andrew Neuner, the CEO of the Health Quality Council of Alberta, Feisal Keshavjee, Chair of the Canadian College of Health Leaders, Linda Hughes, Patients for Patient Safety Canada and Teri Price.

For updated news about NHLC, visit our website at www.nhlc-cnls.ca

Media contact:
Lucie Boileau, Communications Lead
National Health Leadership Conference
1-855-236-0213 ext. 205 │ 613-462-5604 (mobile) │ [email protected]