Wellington North council is endorsing Lambton County’s bid for a moratorium on major health care restructuring.
But, the move was not without some questions.
Councillor Dan Yake said that while he is certain of the intent of Lambton’s resolution, he has concerns with some of the wording. “They are asking for a moratorium on any further reductions to health care service.”
Lambton called for a moratorium on the restructuring of health care services in rural and small communities as a result of Local Health Integration network decisions until such time as a provincial review has been done.
Lambton noted that idea has been endorsed by the Ontario College of Family Physicians, Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, Rural Section of the Ontario Medical Association, and the Society of Rural Physicians.
Council supported Lambton’s proposal without further discussion.
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In Wellington County, the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) is hosting two information sessions for residents on the draft findings and recommendations of the Rural Health Care review. That review considers the vision for rural health care services in the WWLHIN jurisdiction.
The Rural Health Working Group includes doctors and staff from local hospitals, long-term care homes, family health teams and other health service providers, along with community representatives has led the Rural Health Care review process.
The meetings are a follow-up to the community sessions held from January to April.
Residents are encouraged to attend and provide comments into planning the future of the health care system in rural communities.
The meeting for northern Wellington County are set Dec. 2, from 7 to 9pm at the Harriston and Minto community centre.
