Ontario Hospital Association
200 Front Street West, Suite 2800
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3L1
Tel: (416) 205-1345 Fax: (416) 205-1360
Visit our Web Site: http://www.oha.com
November 24, 2009
Toronto, ON – Hal Fjeldsted, President and CEO of Kirkland and District hospital recently won the Small, Rural and Northern Award of Excellence for his dedication to promoting the interests and challenges of hospitals in Northern Ontario.
The award, presented last week in Toronto at the Ontario Hospital Association’s (OHA) HealthAchieve2009 conference and exhibition, is handed out annually in recognition of inspiring innovation and excellence in the delivery of patient care within a small, rural or northern facility.
“Hal is a genuine volunteer, selflessly dedicated to promoting the perspectives and challenges of the hospitals in the North,” said OHA Board Chair and award presenter, Kevin Smith. “Hal’s commitment to providing access to care to people in rural and northern communities truly demonstrates his dedication to leadership.”
In particular, Hal was commended for his work in bringing the concerns of northern hospitals to the attention of the Northern Liberal Caucus, ensuring that the UAP review and recommendations were supported, and spearheading efforts to organize annual meetings with senior staff at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
In addition to his CEO duties at Kirkland and District Hospital, Hal is also the Chair of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Rural and Northern Health Panel and has worked tirelessly on behalf of all small, northern and rural hospitals to ensure their voices are heard by the province’s key decision makers.
- 30 -
The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is the voice of Ontario’s public hospitals. Founded in 1924, the OHA uses advocacy, education and partnerships to build a strong, innovative and sustainable health care system for all Ontarians. For more information, visit www.oha.com.
Media Contact:
Amy Ouellette
Ontario Hospital Association
416-205-1433