HEALTH CARE PROTECTION PROGRAM

RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

The purpose of the Health Care Protection Program (HCPP) Risk Management Committee is to:

• Provide input into the planning and management of HCPP;
• Promote the delivery of education, communication and consultation / advisory service of HCPP;
• Provide a forum for discussion and promote awareness of health care risk management issues; and
• Consult on the settlement of claims.

MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:

RISK MANAGEMENT HEALTH AUTHORITY REPRESENTATION

Vancouver Island Health Authority

Ms. Nichole Pereira
Director, Patient Safety, Risk Management Advisory & Policy Stewardship

Northern Health Authority

Ms. Kirsten Thomson, BSc (Pharm), LLB, MBA, CRM, GPC.D
Executive Director, Legal Affairs, Enterprise Risk & Compliance

Kirsten Thomson is the Regional Director, Legal Affairs, Enterprise Risk & Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer for the Northern Health Authority. In this role, Kirsten is responsible for various programs, including Integrated Risk Management, Legislative Compliance, Corporate Governance, Privacy, Ethics, and Spiritual Health. Additionally, she has oversight responsibilities for the general risk management structure, claims management, adult guardianship, and the Patient Care Quality Office. Kirsten graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of British Columbia in 2002 and worked as a pharmacist at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia in Prince George before moving into Risk Management in 2011. Kirsten completed a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Northern British Columbia in 2008, the Canadian Risk Manager (CRM) certificate at the University of Toronto distance learning program in 2013, a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of London (UK) in 2019, and designation as a Governance Professional in 2024.

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

Mr. Ben Fischer, BSc, BScN, JD
Regional Director, Clinical Risk Management

Ben is responsible for the professional management and coordination of the clinical risk management and patient care quality office programs at VCH. Ben is a Registered Nurse by background with clinical training and expertise in critical care. Ben obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia’s law school and was called to the B.C. Bar in 2018. He is an adjunct professor law at UBC. Ben worked as a lawyer in private practice before the opportunity arose to combine his two areas of expertise. Ben is a strong believer in promoting the application and integration of evidence-based risk management strategies to promote and improve safe patient care.

Fraser Health Authority

Douglas Clouden AIC, CRM
Risk Management Services Leader at Fraser Health

Douglas Clouden brings over two decades of experience in the insurance industry across both the United States and Canada, spanning public and private sectors. In his current role, he oversees the management of potential and active property and casualty claims, while also providing strategic risk management guidance to individuals and teams within the organization. Douglas’s background includes roles as an Adjuster, Investigator, and Broker, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of claims processes and dispute resolution. His expertise lies in offering strategic counsel on coverage issues, facilitating negotiations, and achieving effective resolutions.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health, Behavior, and Society from the University of Rochester in New York, and has earned the Associate in Claims (AIC) and Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designations.

Annette Bieberstein CFE, CRM, RF
Leader, Risk Management Services at Fraser Health Authority

Annette has over 20 years of experience in various leadership roles working with large, complex organizations to design and execute pragmatic enterprise risk management and resiliency solutions to meet business outcomes (specifically working in the financial, insurance, regulatory and health care sectors). As a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), with both the Canadian Risk Management (CRM) and Risk Fellow (RF) designations, she has an extensive risk management background. Past board experience includes various roles on the Vancouver Chapters of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Certified Fraud Examiners as well as, the Risk & Insurance Management Society - B.C. Chapter. Annette was an instructor at Simon Fraser University teaching risk management as part their continuing education program and has spoken at various events including past IIA Women in Leadership and RIMS Canadian Conference held in Vancouver and Winnipeg.

Interior Health Authority

Ms. Ashton Roberts
Director, Policy and Risk Management

Ashton Roberts is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 13 years of experience in both clinical and corporate settings across two provinces. Currently working as Director of Policy & Risk Management at Interior Health, Ashton supports risk mitigation and policy to improve patient safety and organizational effectiveness. With a background in nursing and a passion for fostering positive workplace culture, Ashton values collaboration, continuous learning, and building strong relationships to support meaningful change in public healthcare.

Provincial Health Services Authority

Ms. Norna Waters BSN MSN CRM
Senior Director Integrated Risk Management

Norna Waters is the Executive Director Integrated Risk Management, Compliance & PCQO for Provincial Health Services Authority. Norna provides leadership to the Integrated Risk Management program & Patient Care Quality Office at PHSA and also provides risk management advice & support to various Programs and Services within PHSA. Norna is a registered nurse and holds both a Bachelor and Masters of Science in Nursing and has experience as a direct care perinatal nurse. Norna has obtained her CRM designation from the University of Toronto.

Providence Health Care Society

Mr. Zoran Bojic, MHSc, PMP, CSSBB, CLA, ASQ-CMQOE
Director, Risk Management

Zoran Bojic brings over 25 years of progressive leadership experience in driving innovation, improving effectiveness of systems and processes, creating a culture of safety, and building integrated quality improvement, infection control, patient safety, and risk management programs. In his role as Director of Risk Management, he leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated clinical risk management program aligned with organizational mission and strategic priorities. Zoran received a Master of Health Science degree from the University of Toronto and his professional qualifications also include Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB), Certified Lean Agent (CLA), Certified ASQ Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (ASQ-CMQOE), QMS Lead Auditor, IQMH Accreditation Program Assessor, and Masters Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management and Governance. He has authored two professional development textbooks and has presented widely at national and international conferences on quality, safety, and human factors.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH REPRESENTATION

Mr. Thomas Guerrero
Executive Director, Corporate Issues and Client Relations

Thomas Guerrero is the Executive Director of the Corporate Issues and Client Relations Branch with the Ministry of Health. He held this portfolio since 2017. Prior to that Thomas served as the Director for the Patient Care Quality Review Boards for eight years. His branch is responsible for the provincial response and coordination of all significant adverse events, in addition it provides support across the Ministry of Health for client relations, corporate documents support, FOI, litigation and issues management. Thomas began working in the public service in 2003 with Cabinet Operations in the Premier’s Office.

Updated: June 5, 2025