November 23, 2016 - “Effective December 1, Lakeridge Health will operate the Ajax-Pickering site of what is now the Rouge Valley Health System. This will help create an acute care system that is — for the first time — truly regional in scope. In the months and years ahead, this will allow us to deliver more services — and better services — to more people.
It is an exciting time for Durham. And I want to thank everyone who has been working so hard for so many months on this important and transformative work.
I believe that regional systems of care are the best way to make sure that people get both the specialized and general acute care services they need — closer to where they live. To that end, the Ministry supports the restoration of Ajax-Pickering's mental health unit, including at least 20 new mental health inpatient beds — which is excellent news for Durham. The Ministry is also offering us financial support through a planning grant so that we can take a good, long look at what services we need to build, and where, in the future. This is very exciting — and represents a new day and a new mandate for Lakeridge Health.
To do that, we will be continuing the work of community engagement and pulling together advisory groups to gather advice and input into what new services we will need — and how, when and where we should build them. That will allow all of us in Durham to work together to plan for the rapid growth we know is coming for our region.
As well, even though we have excellent regional representation on the Lakeridge Health Board, the Minister has asked us to take a closer look at our bylaws to make sure people in West Durham continue to have a strong voice on our board. He has also asked that we give consideration to expanding the Board by an additional two seats with representatives from West Durham.
The Minister further asks us to start developing a name for the hospital that better reflects our new, region-wide responsibilities and scope. This is something we heard in our community consultation, too, so we will start the process of gathering information and consulting further on this in the days ahead.
In the meantime, we will still operate under the name “Lakeridge Health,” and, really, no matter what name we work under, we will continue to deliver excellent care.
The bottom line is that we are moving forward with integration and we will be partnering with Ajax-Pickering on December 1, as we develop a new five-site regional acute care system.
I know I speak for all the hospitals of Lakeridge Health when I say we are excited to take the next steps in building a system that reflects our commitment to caring for families all across Durham.”
For more information contact:
Lakeridge Health Communications
T. 905.576.8711 extension 4317
communications@lakeridgehealth.on.ca
