Barb Shea Appointed Director of Common Drug Review Directorate

December 12, 2002

OTTAWA - Dr. Jill M. Sanders, President of the Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA), is pleased to announce the appointment of Barb Shea as Director, Common Drug Review (CDR) Directorate for a one-year term.

Barb has taken a leave of absence from her current position as Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch, Saskatchewan Health. She has been with Saskatchewan Health for 10 years. Barb has also served as the chief elected officer of provincial and national pharmacy organizations and worked as a community pharmacist.

"Barb's appointment will enable the Common Drug Review program to get off to a running start, which I feel strongly is very important to its ultimate success," said Dr. Sanders. "Her leadership, knowledge and experience will be tremendous assets during the crucial implementation phase and initial operations of the CDR Directorate."

Barb assumes her new responsibilities on January 6, 2003.

On September 5, 2002, Canada's Health Ministers announced that CCOHTA would manage a common review process for new drugs submitted for coverage under participating federal/provincial/territorial drug benefit plans. The goal of the Common Drug Review is to reduce duplication, maximize the use of limited resources and expertise and enhance the consistency and quality of drug reviews. The first reviews under the Common Drug Review are anticipated early in 2003.

For further information contact Kirk Fergusson: 613 226-2553 ext. 276