(Left to right) KFL&A Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza, KFL&A Public Health Chair Wess Garrod, and Deputy Warden Nathan Townend
Lennox and Addington County Council received an update this week on the merger of local health units.
The merger would be between KFL&A Public health as well as neighbouring Hastings-Prince Edward and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark
Council heard from KFL&A Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza, KFL&A Public Health Chair Wess Garrod, and Deputy Warden Nathan Townend.
Townend says the tri-board committee is excited about this opportunity and the funding that comes with it.
He says the new entity wants to embrace the best of each health unit currently in terms of what they have to offer and what they’re doing with their own local partners.
Dr. Oglaza shared that part of their work in discovering the merger feasibility was to look at funding for the new entity. In that, they uncovered that the municipal levies among the three organizations differ. The Doctor says there’s an expectation these will need to be harmonized over time. Dr. Oglaza shared with council what the province is providing in this regard.
The new merged board will see a new governance structure to ensure representation of the 14 municipalities. That structure is still being finalized.
Councillor Jim Hegadorn voiced a question and concern he has heard, about if some of the local locations and services will be changing or closing or if things will stay the same. Dr. Oglaza says this is a very important topic that is top of mind for everyone.
So, what happens next? Townend says the tri-board committee has been working hard to meet the April 2nd deadline to get their business case in.
We’ll provide more information on this possible merger as it becomes available.
Written by Emily Chatwood