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Geoff Wilson
Director, Public Engagement & Community Health Board Support at Nova Scotia Health Authority
Geoff Wilson is the Director of Public Engagement & Community Health Board Support at Nova Scotia Health Authority. Here are some key details about his background and role:
Professional Experience
Geoff Wilson has been working in public engagement (P2) since 2007, with over 15 years of experience in the field.1 He has spent his entire P2 career working for the health authority in Halifax, which is now part of Nova Scotia Health.1
Current Role
As the Director of Public Engagement & Community Health Board Support, Geoff leads a centralized advisory and support team comprised of four Engagement Advisors.2 His responsibilities include:
- Providing training and developing resources for engagement projects
- Supporting and advising on engagement initiatives
- Evaluating and reporting on Nova Scotia Health's patient and public engagement activities
- Coordinating engagement activities across the organization
Achievements and Recognition
Geoff has been recognized for his work in public engagement:
- In 2008, his team won the IAP2 Project of the Year award for their strategic planning exercise1
- In 2012, Capital Health received Special Mention as Organization of the Year from IAP21
- In 2014, he was part of the PPEET Collaborative that received the first Research Award in Canada from IAP21
Philosophy and Approach
Geoff is a strong believer in the IAP2 model and is dedicated to what IAP2 stands for.1 He emphasizes the importance of having senior leadership fully committed to public engagement projects for their success.1 Geoff views public engagement as a fundamental way to change how organizations make decisions.1
Impact on Nova Scotia's Health Care System
Under Geoff's leadership, Nova Scotia Health has made significant strides in engaging patients and the public in health care decision-making.1 His work has contributed to legislative changes requiring public engagement plans in the province's health care system.1
Highlights
Feeling nostalgic today listening to the eulogies for former PM Brian Mulroney. I was so fortunate to have worked for several MPs in Mr. Mulroney’s government, including Finance Minister Michael Wilson. The photo below was taken at the budget day reception.
It was such a historic time in Canadian politics: Free Trade, Meech Lake and the Constitutional Accords, the fight against apartheid, the acid rain accord with the US… and maybe a few wee scandals 😉.
I am so grateful to have been so close to it all at such an exciting time. My condolences to the Mulroney family today, and to all Canadians who mourn the loss of a giant of Canadian politics.
Please take a moment to read this eloquent and award-winning piece about the importance of community engagement in health and health care. I am proud to say that the author of this piece is one of Nova Scotia's hard-working and dedicated volunteer Community Health Board members. In all my time in my role as Director of Public Engagement and Community Health Board Support for NS Health I have never read anything that so perfectly captures the gift that are our Community Health Boards.
