HEADWATERS TO EXPAND, BUT NO PLANS FOR SHELBURNE

HOSPITAL PROJECTS MORE SENIORS AND YOUNG ADULTS IN THE AREA

A Shelburne town councillor would like Headwaters Health Care Centre to establish a facility in town as residents expressed dismay about travelling south to Orangeville for care and service.

Coun. Kyle Fegan wondered if the hospital had plans to add facilities in town where residents can receive care and triage in the community.

"As much as I hate to admit it, my family typically goes to Alliston any time we have an emergency simply because the service and triage times are much faster," said Fegan. "I do see Headwaters as potentially overburdened, especially in the emergency department."

Hospital staff, at a Shelburne council meeting on March 13, explained there would need to be a strong business case presented to the Ontario Ministry of Health to have a facility in town.

"You need a hospital sponsor," said Headwaters CEO and president Kim Delahunt. "I think you'll be looking at Headwaters and then there would need to be a robust business case that goes to the ministry to obtain the necessary approvals."

Staff at headwaters developed population projections to see what services the hospital needs to plan for. Staff found individuals 65 years and older and adults 20 to 29 are the two largest population groups

in Dufferin.

"Those are the ages we need to plan for," said Delahunt. "You are going to see an enhanced focus on geriatric

services as well as on young families."

The hospital serves residents in Amaranth, Caledon, Erin, East Garafraxa,

Grand Valley, Melancthon, Mono, Mulmur, Orangeville and Shelburne. Staff state 77 per cent of day surgery patients and 84 per cent of emergency department visits come from patients within its catchment area.

"We see others come from other communities and of course some of our residents visit other hospitals probably because we don't provide a service at Headwaters," said Delahunt.

Fegan wanted to know what can be done, beyond a business plan to the Ministry of Health, to establish a small emergency room. Delahunt explained the province is focused on expanding the Orangeville facility first.

"The travel distance for folks here is close to many hospitals," said Delahunt. "The alternative, and I think it's the first line of approach the ministry looks at, is expanding."

Fegan followed up and wondered if the hospital can or would be willing to partner with doctors for an after-hours clinic.

"That's primary care," said Delahunt. "Our job is acute care. Our job is for patients to come to the hospital and serve them. We will never send anyone away.

"How can the hospital help, with that, I'm not sure. We're for it, of course. The more care they provide, the less that comes to emerg. It's a win-win. It would be amazing if vital sources were here. Any way we can support them, we would but that's not our business."

Shelburne residents have frequented the hospital. About 11 per cent went for medicine, 10 per cent attended mental health services, 11 per cent visited for obstetrics, nine per cent went for oncology and eight per cent were in for emergency.