Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has announced a new direction for health care that they feel will strengthen services in this region by ensuring the best outcomes for patients, optimizing resources, and enhancing access to care.  In the next three or four years a number of changes will be made.  HHS plans for a dedicated Emergency Department for children, better organized services for adults, a new urgent care centre, expanded ambulatory care facilities, and improvements in many sectors.  HHS intends to meet the needs of Our growing community and provide specialized staff in centralized locations.

This plan was developed during months of careful review, with advice and guidance from experts, academic leaders, and key stake holders in the regional health care system.  Teaching and research are also key priorities for HHS, and with that in mind, these changes will help provide students with the environment they need to become top medical practitioners.  HHS states that once this plan is fully implemented, adult patients in this region will continue to be served in new, expanded Emergency Departments at the General, the Henderson, and St. Joseph’s.

HHS is also planning to establish an Urgent Care Centre on the Southwest Mountain.  Where do you think this facility should be placed?  What hours should it operate?

HHS will be hosting community open houses over the next few weeks, looking to share more information and receive feedback.  To learn more about what is being proposed and planned in Hamilton Health Sciences, please refer to the following link:  http://www.HamiltonHealthSciences.ca

Additionally I will be holding a feedback session of my own on Tuesday, February 12th at Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School.  For more information on this meeting, please refer to the following link:  http://www.TerryWhitehead.ca/health.html

Of course, despite all the promotion they have been doing for their plans, I want to know what you think.  I wish to know what your concerns are regarding Hamilton Health Services’ “Access to the Best Care”, and regarding health care in Hamilton.  Your opinion counts for a great deal.