November 14, 2003

Contact:
Debbie Neufert
Media Relations, LHSC
519-685-8500, ext. 74772

LHSC President and CEO to head OHA Board

(LONDON, Ontario) The president and chief executive officer at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), Tony Dagnone, has been elected as Chair of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) Board of Directors for 2003/04.

"As I take on this voluntary governance role of Chair of the Ontario Hospital Association, I have a strong resolve to build on our positive relationship with our new government, while fostering closer collaboration among stakeholders," says Tony Dagnone. "I am confident that together with our new Minister of Health and Long-Term Care we will be able to implement the government's health platform."

Dagnone adds, "I am honoured to serve the health care community at the provincial level. During my term as Chair of the OHA, my objective is to advance solutions that will address the challenges facing Ontario hospitals."

"The election of Tony Dagnone as the new OHA Chair reaffirms his strength of leadership and commitment to being a strong advocate not only for London Health Sciences Centre, but for health care across the province," says Dan Ross, Chair of the LHSC Board of Directors. Ross adds, "The leadership team at LHSC is committed to supporting Tony in his new position. We consider it very important that all hospitals in Ontario support the OHA as a voice of hospitals and health care in the province."

Tony Dagnone brings extensive leadership skills to the OHA, which represents approximately 159 public hospital corporations in Ontario. He became CEO of London's University Hospital in 1992 and was appointed President and CEO of London Health Sciences Centre in October 1995. Prior to joining University Hospital, Mr. Dagnone spent 25 years at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, including 15 years as the President and CEO.

Mr. Dagnone was Chair-Elect of the OHA Board for 2002/03, and sits on several committees related to health care. He is a former Chair of the Canadian College of Health Service Executives. In addition, Mr. Dagnone has devoted countless hours to community service and professional organizations including the United Way and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In 1992, he was granted an Order of Canada for his work in the community and leadership in health care, and in 2003, he was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal.