It will take years before it gets full approval and will cost $29-million, but the health care system is announcing preliminary plans to change how they deliver services.
Changes are centered on three types of care hubs. One is an expanded Community Health Centre (CHC) for Wallaceburg that would serve more area needs.
Sherri Saunders with the CHC says it would have primary care, community programs, mental health counselling, emergency services and X-Ray to make it easier for patients.
"A single point of access, we will like you to the right provider at the right time, and as well, being nestled with your primary care provider that will be in touch," she says.
As well she says it could cut down on travel that takes place now.
"So you go to where you would get the best care, but then you may have to go off-site to the Sydenham hospital to get an X-Ray and then you need to have some lab work so you are getting back in your car travelling back to the community lab," she says.
A revamp of the emergency departments to allow quicker care for more acute cases is another part of the plan. However the emergency department in Wallaceburg would not operate for a full 24 hours per day. That's a sticking point for many people in Wallaceburg who want 24-hour care.
More integration of mental health services that was announced earlier this week is another part of the plan.
The boards of St. Joseph and Public General Hospitals along with the board of the Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres have endorsed the idea, but the board of the Sydenham hospital has not because of the reduced emergency hours and other issues.