Doubtful on merger; Panel's proposed health unit amalgamations unlikely: doctor - Infomart - 0 views
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A provincial panel's proposal to slash the number of health units through amalgamations isn't likely to be implemented, a local official says. Dr. Ian Gemmill, the acting medical officer of health for Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, said Wednesday the concept is too "revolutionary" and difficult to be managed before next year's provincial election.
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Gemmill said it's basically "a huge trial balloon" but, implemented, would be a major change in the province's public health system.
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But he stressed it is merely one option and, given the next provincial election is scheduled for June 7, 2018, the idea isn't likely to come to fruition.
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The veteran medical officer of health said the proposal suggests municipalities would pay the same share of the new health units'operation as they do now - 25 per cent - but he argued they could receive "quite a bit less representation."
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He said it would also require "a huge commitment from government, which we have not yet seen" and on an "exceedingly tight" deadline.
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"At least three major pieces of legislation would have to be changed to accommodate this," said Gemmill.
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"I don't foresee amalgamations happening," Gemmill said, recalling the mergers of municipalities and school boards.
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"I would not see the public health work force jeopardized in any way," he added. "There are very well-trained people who are doing a great job and that needs to be maintained."
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Before his 2016 retirement, Schabas said health units could possibly save money by sharing a single medical officer of health and sharing some services. Schabas worked two days per week and was otherwise on call. He was paid $244,317 in 2016.
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At the time of Schabas'remarks, Paul Huras, the chief executive officer of the South East Local Health Integration Network, said it was worth considering but sharing services may not work because of health units'distinct mandates. Huras said health units could benefit from better links with other health care providers and, if they could save money, may have more to spend on front-line staff.
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Board member Egerton Boyce, a Belleville councillor, said he attended a recent AMO panel on the subject. He said he left with the impression the concept is "likely not going to happen for a long time."
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Health board members referred the matter to their governance committee and are expected to provide the resulting feedback to the health ministry. "There's merit to looking at the system," Gemmill told reporters. "It's been 50 years since the last time it was restructured in a major way." But he said the changes would be "a mammoth chore" and remain "very unlikely" before the election