The Health Centre’s Strategic Planning Framework document is in the final stages of drafting and will be ready for approval within the next few months.

Those present were advised that the South West LHIN has acquired a new e-health coordinator who will be charged with forming an e-technology plan for the region. South Bruce Grey Health Centre has been involved in a Grey Bruce Health Network-wide planning process for information technology, and a presentation regarding the plan is being scheduled for the May Board meeting.

The Board portal portion of the Health Centre’s website was demonstrated to Board members and will be operational within the next couple of weeks. The portal will streamline communications with the Board, will make resource available online and, in future, will remove the necessity of paper-based agenda packages for meetings.

Expansion plans for medical clinics are in process at the Chesley and Durham sites that consider the opportunity of connecting with the hospital providing greater convenience for patients. The building project is also progressing at the Walkerton site, with the structural steel in place and masonry to be on site within four weeks. Completion is expected before Christmas this year.

A representative from the South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) visited SBGHC’s Kincardine site earlier this month as part of the LHIN’s review of the business case submitted by SBGHC to redevelop the site. It is hoped that the project will be reviewed by the LHIN at their May board meeting.

Quotations have been received for a much-needed upgrade to the telecommunications systems at all four Sites of the Health Centre. Investigation is also being made into the possibility of a joint purchase among the Grey Bruce Health Network group of hospitals (Grey Bruce Health Services, South Bruce Grey Health Centre and Hanover and District Hospital). It was not certain that all of the hospitals would be involved with the project.

Point of care lab testing has been successfully implemented, and investigation is being made into broadening the scope of tests performed utilizing the technology. Benefits gained have included reduced callbacks and improved turnaround times for results reporting.

A draft consent style agenda was reviewed by the Board and approved for trial at the May meeting.

A by-law review sub-committee is being formed that will include two community representative positions.

The Board also approved a new community engagement framework, and the trial and implementation of the new tool will also include community members.

The filling of this year’s vacancies on the Board will be considered in tandem with a review of by-laws that will also contemplate board size, makeup and current best practices.

The implementation of a capital asset tagging system, and long-term capital asset plan, are in progress and expected to be completed this year.

Paul Davies, President and CEO

South Bruce Grey Health Centre

(519) 370-2417