His report also identified that a revitalized status quo – 3
acute care / ER sites (GNGH, St. Catharines, Welland), 3 complex care sites
(NOTL, Fort Erie, Port Colborne) and 2 Urgent Care Centres (Fort & Port) –
would cost $883 million in capital upgrades and “save” only $2 million in more
efficient operations.
The hybrid option – 2 acute care / ER sites (GNGH, St.
Catharines), 1 Ambulatory & Urgent Care Centre (Welland) and 2 Complex Care
Sites (Fort & Port) – would cost $1,165 million in upgrades and “save” $2.8
million in operations.
Dr. Smith stated that the consolidation in his preferred
option leads to a “critical mass of clinical activity”, simplifies physician
and staff coverage, and better attracts health-care “learners”.
Finally, he recommended that the “Mayors of the ‘Southern
Tier’ with input from the Regional Chair” recommend to him the locations for the
new Hospital and the stand-alone Urgent Care Centre in the “South”. He suggested
that “population density and access” be the primary considerations in our
recommendation. (Please see www.niagarahealth.on.ca/supervisor
for your copy of the report.)
This group of Mayors and the Chair has met three times.
During our first meeting we agreed upon how we would approach our task. In the
second meeting, we spoke directly to Dr. Smith and with the Medical Officer of
Health and EMS and GIS staff. Last week, we met to review the work of Regional staff
and sought additional information. We will meet again during the week of June 4
– just in time for our June 15 deadline.
While we deliberate, I would like to hear directly from you.
What additional criteria do you think should be considered in our Mayoral recommendation?
What about the impact on communities, or travel times for visitors, or the
impact on allied health professionals? What is the priority or ranking of these
criteria?
While I have heard from a handful residents already, I am
very interested in hearing your thoughts. Please email me directly at mayordave@pelham.ca. You can also email
Dr. Smith directly with your suggestions at nhssupervisor@gmail.com.
