Ornge Outgoing Board Accepts Recommendation for New Board Members

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the outgoing Ornge Board of Directors announced they have accepted the recommendation from the government to appoint seven new volunteer board members.

"These new board members bring extensive knowledge and unique skill sets to their new roles and Ornge is fortunate to have them," said outgoing Chair Rainer Beltzner.  "Ornge has taken immediate steps to begin a renewal process and regain the trust of staff, patients, and the people of Ontario."

The new board chair is Ian W. Delaney, former CEO of Sherritt International Corporation.

"I am proud to assume a role where I will be supporting a team of high calibre frontline paramedics, pilots, and staff, whose sole focus is to provide first-class patient care," said Mr. Delaney.  "They save countless lives and their commitment to Ontario patients is nothing short of exemplary."

Joining Mr. Delaney are six respected community leaders representing a diverse background in health care, business and education.  They are:

• Charles Harnick, Principal, Counsel Public Affairs
• Patricia Lang, Former President of Confederation College
• Barry McLellan, President and CEO, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
• Maneesh Mehta, Co-founder of the Black Box Institute, member of the board Central Local Health Integration Network
• Patrice Merrin, Chairman of the Board and Interim CEO, CML HealthCare
• Patricia Volker, Instructor, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario

Their guidance and oversight will ensure the delivery of high quality service to Ontario patients while improving transparency and accountability.

"The new board has the collective knowledge, experience, and commitment to meet the challenges ahead," added Mr. Delaney.  "We are fully dedicated to serve the public interest, and we will strive to deliver world-class air ambulance, critical care land and paediatric transport programs service for Ontarians. I look forward to working with interim CEO Mr. Ron McKerlie, Ornge staff, and Minister Matthews to restore the public's confidence, and the pride of Ornge staff."

Complete biographies for the new Ornge Board of Directors can be found at the following address:
http://www.ornge.ca/AboutOrnge/Pages/BoardofDirectors.aspx 

ABOUT ORNGE
Ornge, a not-for-profit organization, coordinates all aspects of Ontario's air ambulance system, the critical care land transport program, paediatric transport program and the authorization of air and land ambulance transfers between hospitals. Ornge performs more than 21,000 transports annually.

Ornge Media Relations Contact:
James MacDonald
416-531-7577