The
infraNET Project and
Waterloo Institute for Health Informatics Research
University of Waterloo
present ...
Ontario's Public Health E-Health
Strategy -
Supporting Public Health Renewal
by
Dr. George Pasut
Executive Lead, Public Health
System Transformation
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Davis Centre, Room 1302
University of Waterloo
Seminar Sponsors:
Blackberry - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
McKesson Information Solutions - Smart Systems for Health Agency
Healthcare Information Management and Communications Canada
Abstract
The public health system is often described as an invisible
component of the health care system, working in the background to
protect and promote health, and prevent disease and injury at a local
community and systemic level. Over the last decade, the importance of
a robust public health system has been highlighted by Canada s
experience with infectious disease outbreaks, such as the Walkerton
Ontario E. coli and North Battleford Saskatchewan cryptosporidium outbreaks,
West Nile virus and the SARS outbreak. Although our recent public health
experiences have been largely shaped by infectious disease issues, our modern
epidemics of obesity and tobacco-related diseases also underscore the importance
of integrated health promotion programs to ensure optimal growth and development,
and improved health at all ages. The public health system, along with
much of the health care system, has lagged other sectors in the
development and implementation of e-health solutions.
The presentation will offer an opportunity to learn about current developments,
and exchange ideas on possible future directions. The public health
e-Health strategy has evolved along with the changes to the public
health system. This presentation will highlight several key priorities
such as a recently introduced province-wide information system for
effective disease control and inter-jurisdictional information sharing
for outbreak response and an Important Health Notice emergency
alerting system.
About the Speaker
George Pasut is the Executive Lead, Public Health System
Transformation within the Public Health Division of the Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care. His office is responsible for supporting
the renewal of public health system including the renewal of public
health legislation and program standards, and response to the Capacity
Review Committee recommendations that together frame a strategic
direction for public health programs and services in Ontario. Previously,
Dr. Pasut was the Medical Officer of Health and CEO for Simcoe County,
and following amalgamation, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Prior
to this, Dr. Pasut worked at the Ministry of Health as a Senior Medical Consultant
and Physician Manager in the Public Health Branch, and as Acting Director
of the Health Promotion Branch.
Dr. Pasut graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University
of Toronto and did post-graduate work in the Division of Community
Health. He holds a fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians of
Canada, and is Board certified and a fellow of the American College of
Preventive Medicine. He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Pasut has served on many provincial and
federal-provincial-territorial projects and committees. He is the chair
of the Examination Board and the Examination Committee for the Royal
College of Physicians and Surgeons for the specialty of Community
Medicine. He is past chair of the Public Health Section of the Ontario
Medical Association and is co-chair of the Public Health e-Health Council.
For more information
Shirley Fenton
Managing Director, WIHIR
University of Waterloo
(519) 888-4074
Seminar Hosts
This seminar is hosted by the Waterloo Institute for Health
Informatics Research (WIHIR) and The infraNET Project, University of Waterloo.
The infraNET Project, initiated by the University of Waterloo in
1996, is a partnership to advance Web and Internet technologies. Its founding
partners were: LivePage (now part of Siebel), MKS, Open Text, RIM,
Sybase (Waterloo) and Waterloo Maple.
We also gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Institute for
Computer Research, University of Waterloo.
