The potential merger of the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit, Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Health Unit, and the Leeds Grenville and Lanark district health unit is closer to becoming a reality.
During Wednesday’s Quinte West Council meeting, Medical Officer of Health for HPEPHU Dr. Ethan Toumishey shared details with council members about the ongoing progress in the merger process.
All three health units have voted in favour of amalgamation and a business case for the merger has been submitted to the provincial government. Approval is expected to come some time in the summer.
Dr. Toumishey said the goal of the amalgamations is to better allocate resources and increase capacity for patients.
“I don’t anticipate that there be a decrease in service,” said Dr. Toumishey. “The the purpose of moving ahead is that this can achieve better services, if you’re finding efficiencies through that process.”
Ontario is encouraging health units to merge, creating single units which serve populations of 500,000 or more, and is offering to pay the costs associated with the mergers. The mergers are not being mandated.
