One of the biggest successes for Hastings County in 2024 has been the major improvement in ambulance services.
Warden Bob Mullin says the opening of the new Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services main base in Stirling-Rawdon has been a game changer.
“Which is significantly improving service in Centre Hastings. But that base also serves as the main repair base and servicing base for all of Hastings County. We came to an agreement with the MBQ (Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte) and have a new base on the reserve. And that has really changed our response times throughout the county because we’re not doing the same amount of back-filling.”
They’ve also been able to convert more part-time positions to full-time jobs and been able to add home-based ambulance services allowing paramedics to make in-home visits and provide care for older and vulnerable adults.
2024 has also been about improving efficiency in Hastings County.
Mullin says they are working on a shared service model with all their municipalities.
“To be a little more efficient and offer some more services in planning as the rules are constantly being changed by the province. We’re looking at other shared services – IT, human resources, information system, we’re installing that. That’s being brought up to date.”
He says they are even looking at artificial intelligence for services that can be automated, such as phones.
There have also been improvements at Centennial Manor and Hastings Manor long-term care facilities and they continue to work towards accomplishing the four hours of care per day per resident that the province has mandated.
Mullin says they’ve been able to avoid hiring costly temporary workers at their long-term care facilities as many other hospitals and nursing homes have had to do.
