The Government of British Columbia has appointed Dr. Doug Cochrane as new board chair for Interior Health, and Dr. Selena Lawrie and Cindy Stewart as board members.

“Congratulations to Interior Health’s new board chair and members,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “They have significant experience in health care and their dedication to their communities will contribute to our goal as a government to provide leadership for a strong public health-care system in British Columbia.”

“Of special note are the existing contributions of board chair Dr. Doug Cochrane, who has held a variety of important roles within the health-care system, and will be able to use his breadth of experience in patient safety and quality to enhance the care offered by Interior Health,” added Dix.

A health authority board of directors helps ensure that British Columbians receive the best possible care in an efficient, well-managed public health-care system. Boards are responsible for the governance and management of health services in the province. They work with health authority leadership to establish the organization’s overall vision and ensure there is appropriate community consultation. Boards also regularly review the organization's long-term plans, look at significant issues affecting the organization and evaluate results.

Dix thanks previous Interior Health board chair John O’Fee and member Renee Wasylyk for their service.

A backgrounder follows.