By Mario deSantis, October 25, 1999

The StarPhoenix reports that Gord Nystuen, president of the Saskatchewan Health Information Network (SHIN), is leaving his post before getting a chance to see the computerized health system in action(1). When the SHIN project got the green light from cabinet in the Summer of 1997, officials hoped to have the system up and running by the end of 1999. Instead, after some $40 Million have been spent, SHIN has nothing to show about this network project; in fact its business expertise, if any, along with the mentioned $40 Million have been redirected to assist the health districts in the usage of e-mail messaging(2) and Y2K preparation.

Nystuen has justified the redirection of the mandate of the crown corporation by saying "...Yeah, we know your house is burning with regards to year 2000, but we'd like you do some new stuff with us..." Nystuen knows very well he didn't do the job he was hired for and therefore in an effort to cover his assets he has joined Paradigm Consulting Group, a management consulting firm. The departure of Nystuen from SHIN is further evidence of the short-term management by confusion of this government(3) and the beginning of a campaign to cover up the financial disaster of this SHIN project(4).

Endnotes

1. SHIN executive leaves post for consulting job, by Mark Wyatt, The StarPhoenix, October 23, 1999, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

2. Technological Changes In Saskatchewan Health Care: An Abysmal Disaster, by Mario deSantis, May 27, 1999

3. Health Reform in Saskatchewan: Digging Holes in the Ground, by Mario deSantis and reviewed by James deSantis, October 22, 1999

4. What Happened to the Saskatchewan Health Information Network (SHIN)? By Mario deSantis, June 11, 1999