There has been much progress since my last blog post. In particular my recent status report to the Board of the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network (“LHIN”) attracted much attention within the Niagara Region. At the LHIN Board meeting I presented an update on activities including a selection of potential options for realigning healthcare in Niagara. These reflect possible outcomes which I heard with some regularity in discussions with patients and families, staff and elected officials. These options included:
- Building a new hospital for south Niagara that would replace a number of existing facilities, many in need of significant investment,
- “Divorcing” the Niagara Health System into two or more corporations, and<?li>
- Maintaining the current structure but pushing more autonomy and decision making to the local sites.
Please note that these are only a few potential options, and most certainly need to be refined and examined before being presented for formal feedback across our communities. Our next steps will be:
- Refine the potential options for the clinical services in Niagara. The final options will be based on what we have learned, available data on community needs, and requirements for high quality services; and will be further informed by the work of the review teams. Our current financial reality in the province of Ontario must also be factored into our deliberations and ultimately the recommendations.
- By the Spring 2012 we will launch a comprehensive communications program both internal to the NHS and across the communities served, soliciting feedback on the options
- By late Summer, submit final recommendations to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and:
- Concurrently, appoint a community-based nominating committee who will recommend members for the Board of Directors, based upon a clear skills matrix model
- Commence the recruitment process for a President and CEO, Chief of Staff, and/or other leadership roles as required
I hope these points give a clear sense of what is next in the process. I welcome your feedback at nhssupervisor@gmail.com. I want to assure you fully, that any model advanced will reflect the best research available to us. We will, together, create a high performing health system, offering excellent quality of care and caring, and a workplace in which one takes pride. I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of a clear code of conduct that ensures both providers and consumer experience dignity and respect each and every day.
