The FOTKH have been quietly allowing an independent consultant, whom we hired, to complete a review of SBGHC's governance and management. However, recent announcements of centralization of services and job losses have prompted us to ask many questions.

The job losses in dietary and housekeeping (21 people's jobs across the four sites) will not only impact the individuals that are losing their jobs. The impact will be felt by patients who in the past appreciated the "home style" food served to them by trained dietary staff. When you are sick, you need every comfort you can get to aide you in a speedy recovery.  The impact will also be felt by staff and visitors, who will no longer be able to have warm meals, prepared on site. Instead, their only option will be a cold sandwich prepared in Walkerton and shipped over to be kept in a vending machine. Good food equals happy people.  Morale of patients and staff will again be impacted.

What will happen to the "Meals on Wheels" dinners that have been prepared in the Kincardine site's kitchen? The people in our community who depend on these meals will feel the impact greatly.

How much cost will be incurred to bring in, set up, and train staff to use this new Retherm system?

Were local companies part of the RFP process that Mr. Davies refers to in his press release, or was it by invitation only? Could local companies and suppliers not be given a chance to bid and actually provide home cooked meals?

Was there consultation with dieticians and nutritionists regarding patients with special dietary needs?

Again, no public consultation was undertaken so, these questions could not be asked beforehand. Community engagement costs so little and can save so much.

Mr. Davies said during a staff meeting that 70% of the hospital's budget was consumed by salaries. Of that 70%, what percentage goes to pay the CEO and the 4 vice presidents' salaries?

How many services and front-line staff could be maintained if the cuts were instead made to these huge salaries? Now - there's a way to positively IMPACT the budget!