Byres presentation, “The Power of Nursing Voice in Health Policy,” is co-hosted by the Comox Valley Chapter of Nurses and Nurse Practitioners as well as NIC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
”We are so pleased to host David Byres in the Comox Valley,” said RaeAnn Hartman, chair of NIC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. “Practice, education and government need to work collaboratively to remain responsive to complex, societal and health care needs. We’re fortunate to hear David’s thoughts on these important issues.”
Byres is the assistant deputy minister for BC’s clinical integration, regulation and education division as well as chief nurse executive at the BC Ministry of Health.
He leads BC’s Nursing Policy Secretariat, working to optimize the role of nursing in BC through collaboration and engagement with front line nurses.
Byres’ presentation includes an overview of the Nursing Policy Secretariat Priority Recommendations, including staffing mix, patient ratios, scope of practice and the role of nurses and nurse practitioners in primary care. After the presentation, he will lead a discussion of nurses’ interests and ideas for nursing policy.
Byres’ health career started in community mental health settings and then worked as a registered nurse in medicine, mental health, community and emergency settings. While a member of Providence Health Care’s senior leadership team, he oversaw all acute care services, including services for patients with addictions, HIV/AIDS and mental health issues.
The adjunct professor at the UBC School of Nursing has received many awards for his work, including the UBC School of Nursing Dean’s Medal of Distinction in 2018 and the 3M National Health Care Quality Team Award in 2015.
Byres’ presentation takes place from 7 to 9 pm at the Stan Hagen Theatre on the Comox Valley campus. Doors open at 6 pm for a pizza social before the event.
Admission is free and everyone is invited. Participants must pre-register via Eventbrite. For more information, contact Jan Meiers at jan.meiers@nic.bc.ca or 250-334-5068 or RaeAnn Hartman at raeann.hartman@nic.bc.ca or 250-334-5066.
