Dear Editor,

Regretfully, I was unable to attend the all candidates meeting in Saugeen Shores as I was at the International Plowing Match, reinforcing our government's commitment to agriculture. But I remain committed to healthcare in Southampton, making sure its residents have an operational Emergency Department (ED) open 24-7 as soon as possible.

My constituents clearly told me that access to emergency services in Southampton is a top priority. That is why the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has also invested nearly $1 million – and over 5,000 hours of physician coverage – to keep the local ED open.

In June, a group of local doctors clearly stated that upgrades to the Southampton ED were essential to the recruitment and retention of doctors. I took those concerns directly to Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. Last month Minister Matthews committed funding to completing these upgrades.

For more than five years I have worked tirelessly with the community of Southampton, Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS), medical staff, municipal leaders and the local doctor recruitment team to ensure that the community continues to have access to the essential health care services offered by their local emergency department. The commitment to the Southampton ED and laboratory project is an important step in our plan moving forward.

However, in the meantime we need to ensure that 24-7 ED service will continue in our community. That is why the Ministry has asked GBHS to work towards maintaining ED coverage 24 hours per day, seven days per week between now and March 31, 2013 at the Southampton Hospital.

Southampton currently has 16 doctors. One of these doctors works full-time in the ED, covering 15 shifts each month. That leaves a total of 45 shifts remaining for the 15 doctors - or three shifts per doctor per month.

I understand that recruitment efforts are ongoing. Working together, we've accomplished a lot, and we need everyone on board as we move forward. 

Carol Mitchell

Ontario Liberal Candidate, Huron-Bruce