The Task Force on Adverse Health Events is a separate process from the Commission of Inquiry on Hormone Receptor Testing. The Task Force will not consider matters related to hormone receptor testing or any other complaints or problems with specific adverse events. Rather it will look at how to improve policies and procedures for managing adverse events after they occur.
The Task Force on Adverse Health Events is chaired by the Secretary to Cabinet (Health Issues) who is employed with the Executive Council Office of the provincial government. While the Task Force is not part of the Department of Health and Community Services, the report of the Task Force will focus exclusively on matters within the health and community services system.
The Task Force is consulting closely with RHAs to gather information and receive input. The recommendations of the Task Force will be directly relevant to RHAs, so it is important to have regular interaction with their representatives. A Health System Liaison Committee has been established to facilitate consultation.
Interested individuals/groups can participate in a call for submissions. In addition, health system stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups, health professional associations, unions, researchers and teaching/learning organizations have been invited to participate in the Provincial Forum on Adverse Health Events in St. John’s on May 26, 2008.
The Task Force on Adverse Health Events will submit a final report to government during the summer of 2008. As per government policy, all reports will become public within 30 days of receipt.