April 4, 2006

Brant Community Healthcare System to review unified governance

The Boards of the Willett and Brantford General hospitals, with the encouragement of the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation and the Medical Advisory Committee, have directed the Coordinating Council to review various models of unified governance.

In making the announcement, Rasa Lannoo, Chair- The Willett and William (Bill) Campbell, Chair- Brantford General indicated that unified governance is a logical progression for the two hospitals that entered into a formal relationship 7-years ago. They said, “Unified governance has many benefits for our community as integration of healthcare services continues throughout Ontario including Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) that will choose its own priorities regarding economic efficiencies and services provided to patients. We believe it is extremely important that our local hospitals speak with one strong, collaborative voice with our LHIN and the Ministry of Health.”

Hospitals and the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care are working together to improve patient care by enhancing accessibility, quality, affordability and service for patients in each region. Brantford and Paris are part of the Hamilton / Niagara/ Haldimand/ Brant LHIN that includes all the hospitals throughout Hamilton , Burlington , Brantford , Paris , Simcoe, St. Catharines and the entire Niagara Peninsula . The LHIN will be responsible for planning, integrating and funding local health care services and bring about economic efficiencies to delivery of health services.

The two Chairs also noted that the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation surveyors recommended unified governance in 2002, and again in 2005 they asked about progress on the initiative.

The Coordinating Council is the body responsible for planning, resources and accreditation for the Brant Community Healthcare System. Each hospital has equal representation on the Coordinating Council. To conduct the review the Coordinating Council will expand to include members of the community at large who possess experience in healthcare, governance and community involvement. These members include Dr. Eric Irvine, incoming President of the medical staff; St. George resident and County Councilor Helen Mulligan who is also a retired nurse and County representative on the Brant County Health Unit, Dr. Rosemary McGowan, Assistant Professor- Organizational Leadership & Contemporary Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford, Jan Finkelstein, Paris resident, Principal- Glen Morris School, Grand Erie District School Board and and Paris resident Larry Stewart RN, former Vice President Patient Care Services at Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington.

Presently, the hospitals have two separate Boards including 35 members in addition to the Coordinating Council. Literature on board governance indicates smaller boards of 12- 15 members reduce duplication, save money, streamline governance efforts and provide for consistent decision-making. Directors of a unified governance have the fiduciary responsibility to act in the interests of the hospital system as a whole.

While the Coordinating Council undertakes the review, expected to be complete this fall, the Boards will not replace at this time two members of the Willett and three members of the Brantford General that are retiring. At the same time, both Boards have agreed to appoint their respective Chair as Vice Chair of the alternate Board.

Many hospitals across Ontario have been involved in some form of unification of governance resulting from the Health Services Restructuring Commission (HSRC) process and joint planning of hospital Boards. Presently, 159 Boards govern some 220 sites.

The two separate hospital Foundations are not affected by this review. The Foundations have indicated that they will discuss the matter when the outcome of this review is known. There will always be a need for local fundraising to equip and update the Willett and Brantford General. All funds donated to hospital foundations, by law, must be invested in the designated hospital.

Over $700,000 has been invested at the Willett to renovate and equip the hospital for new programs and services as a multi-service health centre. A new ultrasound machine purchased recently will be in operation very soon. The popular urgent care centre is growing and continues to be the cornerstone of the Willett.

Campbell and Lannoo say unified governance would not be a Brantford General Board or a Willett Board but rather a Board that reflects all of Brantford and Brant County . They said, “If unified governance comes about it would be invisible for patients and would be a stronger governance model that will benefit a community of our size.”