A voluntary merger involving Southwestern Public Health and health units in Brant County and Haldimand-Norfolk has proved to be a non-starter.
The board of health at Southwestern Public Health unanimously turned thumbs down on the idea after completing a feasibility assessment, advised board chair Bernia Martin.
The Ministry of Health last year announced one-time funding and support to health units who voluntarily merge by the end of this year.
Bigger does not always prove better.
And that is one of several reasons the Southwestern Public Health board voted against voluntarily merging with the other health units.
A merger is a significant undertaking and Southwestern Public Health was the result of an amalgamation in 2018.
And the resultant health unit is still finding its way which included navigating a pandemic.
Martin says that was a key consideration in voting against a voluntary merger.
Martin stressed, “We remain committed to the vision of a stronger public health sector that prioritizes innovation, collaboration and a deeper connection to public health priorities that shape future communities.”
