SafeCare BC is pleased to announce the addition of seven new board members who will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organization. The new members bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from health care, human resources, and business operations.

“We are thrilled to welcome these seven highly qualified members to our Board,” said Kerry Bowman, Chair of SafeCare BC’s Board of Directors. “Each brings valuable skills and perspectives to help guide our work to improve health and safety in long-term and community care.”

Michele Thomson, Vice President for Operations at Buron Healthcare, has been appointed Private Employer Representative. Ms. Thomson brings over 20 years of experience in the sector and is committed to creating safer workplaces.

Khairun Jivani was appointed At Large Director (Employer – Long-term Care). As Vice President for Operations at AgeCare, she brings extensive knowledge and understanding of long-term care operations and standards of practice.

Sharon Cook, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President – Quality Assurance at Park Place Seniors Living has been appointed as the board’s Professional (Medical/Legal) Representative. With a passion for quality assurance and patient safety, Ms. Cook looks forward to her SafeCare BC’s Board role, where she can share her expertise in these areas.

Tricia Gueulette joins as At Large Director (Employer – Home and Community Care). As CEO of Beacon Community Services, she brings more than fifteen of experience in non-profit leadership to her role on SafeCare BC’s board.

Cheri Heywood was appointed At Large Director (Frontline Worker – Home Care). A personal support worker at Bayshore Home Health since 2004, she brings a unique perspective from working directly with clients in homecare settings across British Columbia.

Tonya Neufeld joins as At Large Director (Frontline Worker – Long-term Care). She works as a healthcare assistant at Menno Place and is passionate about advocating for safe and high-quality care for seniors in long-term facilities throughout British Columbia.

Finally, Noreen Donnelly joins SafeCare BC’s Board as Human Resource Services Representative (non-voting). She serves as the Health and Safety Business Partner at Bayshore HealthCAre, providing strategic direction for employee safety initiatives across multiple locations.

SafeCare BC would also like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of our outgoing Board members:

• Nick Bavis
• David Keselman
• Twyla Johnson
• Dimitra Pololos
• Rob Senghera
• Jeanette Lee

“We are confident that the collective expertise of the Board will continue driving positive changes within our sector to create physically and psychologically safe workplaces,” said Saleema Dhalla, SafeCare BC’s CEO.

We welcome new members at a time when SafeCare BC’s work is more important than ever before. We look forward to these board members’ contributions in achieving our goal to empower those working in the continuing care sector to create safer, healthier workplaces by fostering a safety culture.