Views on local health care are being solicited by the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), which oversees hospitals, some long-term care and mental health services in Haliburton County.
The public’s feedback on three questions related to service delivery in Haliburton County will inform the local committee’s recommendations on integration planning.
That committee, made up of representatives from Community Care Access Centre, Community Care Haliburton County, Haliburton Highlands Health Services, the Family Health Team and SIRCH Community Services, will come up with recommendations on how to better structure health services.
Those go to the Central East LHIN for approval.
“The Haliburton team has designed two very focused surveys that will support their work. Once again we are engaging with the people who use and deliver these services which is a very important step in the facilitated integration process,” Deborah Hammons, CEO of the CE LHIN, said in a press release.
“Ensuring that local communities have input into local decision-making is one of the ways LHINs bring value to the health-care system. I hope as many people as possible take advantage of this opportunity.”
The survey includes three questions: When you need community and/or health services, (1) Are you able to find what you need? (2) Is it easy for you to find what you need? And (3) What would help you find what you need?
It is available on the LHIN website: www.centraleastlhin.on.ca under “resource documents” then “integration” then “Haliburton County Integration Process.”
You can also find the surveys at the offices of any of the representatives on the committee listed above.
A second survey for staff, board members and volunteers at health-care related institutions will also be conducted.
The end goal of the process is to find inefficiencies from amongst service providers. The LHIN has stressed the plan is not about staff reduction, but about better serving a changing population.
Haliburton County’s large seniors population, fluctuating population during tourism season and geographic size are all factors being considered in planning.