Grey Bruce Health Services is getting an extra $2.5-million in funding from the province for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.
That is a 2.07% increase from last year.
“This is very good news for local and regional hospital services in Grey Bruce,” says GBHS President and CEO Lance Thurston. “This new money, combined with adjustments to our funding base last year, will help significantly to bring some stability to our operating budget. It will allow us to focus more of our energies and attention as an organization on strengthening our unique model of integrated rural health care.”
He says they still need to improve efficiency and effectiveness to achieve balanced budgets year-over-year.
“Even with this positive budget news, we must continue to look for opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our services and programs, if we are to achieve and sustain balanced budgets year over year," says Thurston.
That strategy still includes a proposal to consolidate all elective day surgery at Owen Sound Regional Hospital.
The board has much to consider after extensive community outreach attracted input and perspectives from residents.
“As we had hoped,” says board Chair Mark Ostland, “we received some good input from many individuals and groups keenly interested in their hospital. That feedback has broadened our frame of reference and perspective on this issue. There is much to consider as a Board, beyond simply the financial merits of the proposal at hand.”
The board plans to make a decision at its June meeting.
GBHS is still optimistic the province will adjust the funding formula this year to recognize the unique challenges of the only hospital corporation in the Province with six integrated rural hospitals.
Thurston says the ministry has been receptive to their plea for a funding adjustment.