Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover announced the appointment today of Maureen McIver as Provincial Addictions Consultant.
In her new role, Ms. McIver will lead the development of a provincial plan for Addictions, as recommended in the 1998 provincial Addictions Services Review.
Minister Dover indicated the Addictions program will benefit from a full-time leadership position.
"In recent years, there has been a fairly dramatic change in the profile of the addicted person and the type of demands being made on the service system," said the Minister. "We are fortunate to have someone with Maureen's broad knowledge and experience to help us respond effectively to these changes."
Ms. McIver worked in Kings County since 1977 as a Detox Nurse and Nursing Supervisor. Since 1994, she has been Client Services Coordinator for Addictions Services in the Eastern Kings Health Region. She is a registered nurse and certified Addictions Registered Nurse with the International Consolidated Association of Nurses in Substance Abuse. She has served the Association of Nurses of PEI as a Board member and as president.
The establishment of a new full-time Addictions position was one of several recommendations of the 1998 Addictions Review. Other recommendations included replacement of aging addictions facilities, as well as more programs for women, youth and problem gamblers.
Ms. McIver indicated that she will be meeting with regional staff and community partners immediately. "I know there are concerns in some regions about the lack of addictions services. I am looking forward to working with regional health staff, the Education sector and community organizations to address these important issues," she said.