The topic of merging local health units generated discussion at the Prince Edward County Council meeting on Tuesday night (March 12).
Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, made a presentation updating council on the work the health unit subcommittee has been exploring on the challenges and merits of mergers.
In August of last year, the Ontario Ministry of Health announced funding and support to health units that choose to voluntarily merge before January 2025. The plan requires a minimum population base of 500,000 people, so the potential merger would include Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and Hastings Prince Edward.
A consulting firm is conducting a feasibility assessment with business case preparation. It is not yet complete. There was no clear cut answer from Dr. Toumishey to the ” what if we don’t” question.
The local public health units are expected to submit the first part of the application by April 2.
