 |
 PRESS RELEASE |
|
March 8, 2010 Toronto, ON – GS1 Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of David Loukras, Provincial Director, Performance, Integration & Transformation for the British Columbia Health Authority Shared Services Organization (SSO), to the position of Co-Chair of its Carenet Healthcare Sector Board. This Board seeks to improve cost efficiencies and patient safety across the Canadian healthcare system by advancing the use of global GS1 supply chain standards. "With an extensive background in healthcare, Mr. Loukras brings considerable expertise and vision to this role," stated N. Arthur Smith, President and CEO, GS1 Canada. "At a time when the healthcare sector is seeking innovative solutions for improved efficiencies and long-term sustainability, Mr. Loukras’ leadership as Co-Chair of this Board will further important work to respond to this need by facilitating implementation of global GS1 standards across the healthcare supply chain." GS1 Canada’s Carenet Healthcare Sector Board identifies opportunities to address challenges across the healthcare supply chain through GS1 standards in order to improve patient safety, cost efficiency and staff productivity. In the retail sector, where GS1 standards such as the bar code have long been utilized, operational savings in the range of 15 to 30% have been realized. Through collaboration with sector representatives as well as key government and healthcare stakeholders, the Board strives to ensure that Canada’s healthcare trading partners are able to similarly operate in an increasingly e-driven global supply chain reality. "The work of this Board is significant and timely," said Mr. Loukras. "Implementation of a common system of global supply chain standards and processes is critical to optimizing patient care and ultimately modernizing Canada’s healthcare system. I look forward to continued strategic collaboration with my colleagues to advance this national effort." In his current capacity with the BC Health Authority SSO, Mr. Loukras is responsible for Data & Applications (including e-commerce), measurement, quality and process iIntegration across the provincial healthcare supply chain. In 2009, the BC Health Authority SSO became the sole provider of Supply Chain Services for all six Health Authorities in British Columbia, overseeing a total spend of $1.9B per year. Mr. Loukras has been involved with the Carenet board since 2004 and is also an active Board member of the Healthcare Supply Chain Network. -30- About GS1 Canada Lianne Castelino
# # #
|