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SWPH Says No to Merger

Friday, 26 April 2024 16:09

By Kyle Freel X @KFreelHeartFM

Southwestern Public Health has turned down a voluntary merger. It would have involved Brant County and Haldimand-Norfolk.

OXFORD COUNTY - A three-way merger will not go ahead.

The Southwestern Public, Brant County, and Haldimand-Norfolk Health Units were looking into the options from the Strengthening Public Health Strategy. After an independent study, SWPH found there would be no improved health outcomes for the areas they cover, including Oxford County.

Board of Health Chair for SWPH, Bernia Martin says at this time a merger was not something the Health Unit was willing to take on.

"A merger is a significant undertaking. We went through an amalgamation in 2018 and are still coming together as an organization. Right now, we intend to remain focused on making measurable impacts to population health, and delivering high-quality programs that meet local needs in this region."

Martin mentions what the Health Unit intends to do to continue making the health experiences in the areas they cover.

"We remain committed to the vision of a stronger public health sector that prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and a deeper connection to public health priorities that shape future communities. Exploring voluntary mergers was just one aspect of this work."

The Strengthening Public Health Strategy was released by the Ministry of Health in August 2023, and through that would have given one-time funding, resources, and support to health units who voluntarily merge by January 1st, 2025.

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