In an effort to keep the lines of communication open, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is hosting several community engagement sessions.
Supervisor Rob Devitt says the sessions act as a way for members of the community to voice their concerns, ask questions, and learn about the plans moving forward.
"This all reflects an approach to transparency and openness that this organization is embracing," says Devitt. "This gives [the public] a chance to talk to the chief of staff, to talk to vice-presidents, to talk about the medical leaders, to talk to the supervisor, [and] the new CEO."
A few sessions have already taken place. Devitt says from those discussions, he got a lot of questions about leadership, and also heard some concerns regarding the two hospital sites in Wallaceburg and Chatham.
"We see this being a two-site hospital, with two active emergency [departments]," he says. "I keep repeating that, but it's so important."
Devitt adds the CKHA will continue to host the community engagement session, even after Devitt steps away from his position.
"We're hardwiring these mechanisms into how the hospital does business," he says.
The next community sessions are listed below:
- April 4: Blenheim Town Hall and St. Mary's Hall
- April 19: Chatham Town Hall and the Frank & Mary Uniac Auditorium at the CKHA
- May 16: Tilbury Town Hall and the Knights of Columbus Hall (20 Dupuis Ave.)
The CKHA says more sessions will be scheduled later.