Officials with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit want to be a part of the conversation and decision-making process with the restructuring of public health from 35 health units to 10 in Ontario.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Jim Chirico says they’re committed to working with the government to find solutions, efficiencies and spend health care dollars effectively.

But, he also says investments in preventative public health programs and services is critical.

 

Here is Dr Chirico’s full statement:

The proposed restructuring of public health from 35 health units to 10 with governance changes and a targeted cost savings of $200 million will have a significant short and long-term impact on the health of those in our communities.

With the health care system transformation in motion, public health, in partnership with government, primary care, and municipalities, is well positioned to improve health outcomes for all. We are optimistic that more details and dialogue will be forthcoming from the government. It is critical that public health unit professionals be part of the conversation and decision-making process to achieve the mandate of ending “hallway medicine” and improving the health of those in our communities.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is committed to working with the government to find solutions, efficiencies, and spend health care dollars effectively in order to reduce the future financial burden on the acute health care system. This must be carefully planned with input from all stakeholders.

Improving access to health care services and ending “hallway medicine” is an important vision we all share but will never be achieved unless we address why people are getting sick in the first place. Investments in preventative public health programs and services and continued work with our community partners to address local health care needs and underlying causes of ill health together is critical. Only then can we build a sustainable health care system and improve the health of those in our communities.

Dr. Jim Chirico MOH/EO

 

(File photo by station staff)

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