Southeast Public Health (SEPH) tells KingstonDaily.ca that it’s board met yesterday and voted to have Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza reconsider the decision to close leased public health offices across seven communities.
The plan to keep the offices is not on pause, as was earlier reported.
The Board also requested a detailed report for its Dec. 17 meeting outlining the criteria behind the closures.
According to a briefing note, the decision to end leases in Almonte, Gananoque, Kemptville, Napanee, Perth, Picton and Trenton was based on low usage, high occupancy costs and a need to modernize rural service delivery. SEPH says reinvesting those savings will help protect core services and improve long-term sustainability.
The Board also deferred a decision on declaring the Cloyne office property surplus, noting the building is a former home and no longer used for clinics.
The office in Smiths Falls will not be affected.
Members received a progress update on merger activities, including staff transitions, website development, policy harmonization, payroll integration and a new All Staff Day meant to support teamwork within the evolving organization.