The Leeds Grenville and Lanark Board of Health’s Board of Health has voted in support of the intent to merge with Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington Public Health and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health to create the South East Health Unit.
Dr. Linna Li tells myFM that the three health units share common values and goals and a merger makes sense. However, it is still a ways away.
Li presented a Merger Feasibility Summary Report and Business Case Brief that concludes that there are no significant barriers to a merger.
That has the entire unit looking forward to next steps.
Back in August of last year, the Ministry of Health said it would offer one-time funding, resources and supports to local public health agencies that voluntarily merged by January 1st of next year.
It’s a move the province says will strengthen public health. Something the Dr. agrees with.
All three Boards approved moving forward with a voluntary merger and have now submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Health. All three health units will continue to operate independently until a merger is approved, or denied.