Champlain LHIN gives update on clinical services planning project for local region

One week after Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) were blasted by ombudsman André Marin for their lack of transparency and public consultation on major projects, the Champlain LHIN circulated an update on its clinical services planning project for the eastern counties.

Marin stated that Ontario's 14 LHINs need "greater public openness and accountability." The LHINs collectively allocate more than $35 billion annually in provincial health-care dollars.

Marin's comments came on the heels of an investigation into the Hamilton-Niagara-Haldimand-Brant LHIN, which he blasted for holding secret meetings "that were clearly illegal" to discuss plans to close hospital emergency rooms.

The investigation did not question the merit of closing the hospital emergency rooms because Marin has no authority over hospitals. However, the investigation did conclude that the LHIN failed to carry out consultation with the community about its plans.

Additionally, appointees at the Champlain LHIN were accused of using an 'illegal bylaw' which empowers them to hold secret meetings far from public accountability.

Ontario PC Deputy Leader and Health Critic, Christine Elliott, called on Premier Dalton McGuinty to reveal how many illegal and secret meetings were held at the Champlain LHIN and what was discussed behind closed doors.

In terms of the clinical services planning project for the eastern counties, the Champlain LHIN's goal is to examine current health care services and how they are being offered, and examine ways to streamline those services.

The eastern counties is home to 190,583 people, which represents one-sixth of the total population in the Champlain region.

Hospitals involved in the plan include Hawkesbury and District General Hospital, Glengarry Memorial Hospital, Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Cornwall Community Hospital and St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre - Complex Continuing Care.

The Ottawa Hospital and Montfort Hospital are also involved, as a large number of patients from the eastern counties are often transferred to these facilities for care.

A preliminary report on the project, which has been ongoing since November 2009, has been posted on the LHINs website and overall recommendations outline strategies that will ensure residents can access primary health care services; obtain appropriate geriatric services as close to home as possible; receive standardized, high quality mental health and addiction services and access needed surgery in a timely manner.

At its meeting on May 26, the Champlain LHIN board of directors endorsed the overall direction outlined in the project.

According to Lisa Sullivan, senior planner with the Champlain LHIN, the Citizens' Advisory Panel, made up of 24 citizens, identified options for potential integration and geographical distribution of hospital services in the eastern counties.

Panel members met for three days and learned about the services currently offered in the region and provided advice on how to ensure the system provides quality care and makes the best use of public funds, now and in the future.

The LHIN says it and the steering committee have met with a number of stakeholders throughout the eastern counties for input into the planning process.

The steering committee is now working on developing action plans for the various proposals outlined in the preliminary report.

Based on the feedback to date and the availability of time and resources, the steering committee decided to focus on two areas initially for eastern counties: mental health and addictions and geriatric services.

Community and regional partners will be invited to join in this planning over the next several months as the steering committee prepares its final report for the Champlain LHIN board later this fall.

Marc Leboutillier, CEO of the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital has agreed to lead a group to develop an action plan for mental health and addictions and Bonnie Ruest, CEO of St. Joseph's Complex Continuing Care Centre, will chair a group to look at the coordination of geriatric services in the eastern counties.