Appendix 2. Summary of Related Planning Processes

Summary of Information Resource Management Plan

The knowledge management and technology priorities for the ministry are to: improve management information for health system redesign, business planning and decision-making; work with our partners to build the capacity for secure sharing of health information electronically; facilitate active consultation, planning, and solution building through collaboration with our stakeholders and partners; and, promote electronic public access to health information and services to help our citizens become more informed of health issues and treatment options. These priorities are driven by and in support of the overall goals of the ministry.

The health information and technology management environment is complex, but its principle is simple and clear: business needs determine the information processing requirements, which in turn determine the appropriate technology infrastructure. To put this principle into practice, it is imperative that we actively consult and plan with our stakeholders, and work with our partners on joint solution building. Our major stakeholders and partners include health system planners and decision-makers, health authorities, health care providers, health education and research institutions, co-funding and implementation partners such as the Provincial Lab Coordinating Office, Health Canada, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the Canada Health Infoway, Western Health Information Collaborative, private sector partners, and the general public.

The major projects with significant deliverables in fiscal year 2004/05 include: Provincial Lab System, Electronic Health Record System, VISTA Data Warehouse, and Health Status Registry.

Summary of Human Resource Management Plan (HRMP)

The ministry recognizes that to achieve the strategic objectives in our service plan, additional effort and energy must be focused on developing and supporting our employees, and continuing to build an enriching, rewarding and flexible organization. The HRMP helps the ministry achieve excellence in service and supports the service plan through the strategic management of our human resources. The HRMP has strategies and performance measures for achieving "people excellence" that assist employees to effectively address the ministry's objectives and strategies.

This plan has been developed to support and build on the 'Corporate Human Resource Plan for the Public Service of British Columbia' and the 'B.C. Public Service Renewal Project'. Its initial focus is on rebuilding and strengthening our organization and employees, developing a culture of learning and through this, achieving high levels of performance.

The ministry has developed four rebuilding themes that will guide us through the delivery of the HRMP Plan: Building, Connecting, Learning, and Performing. The goals for each of these themes are as follows:

1) Building: A Responsive and Adaptable Workforce

2) Connecting: A Culture of Collaboration and Communication

3) Learning: A Learning and Knowledge Sharing Organization

4) Performing: A Committed and Engaged Workforce that Achieves Results