Algoma Public Health is in a "good position" following the decision today not to proceed with a merger with Sudbury and Districts Public Health.
Blind River Mayor and board chair Sally Hagman told council and residents of the choice.
“Over the past three months staff and board members for APH and Sudbury and Districts Public Health conducted a feasibility study to determine if both Health Units could merge into one,” Hagman told councillors at the meeting Tuesday evening. “After careful consideration, the APH Board of Health decided not to proceed with a merger. Public Health Sudbury and Districts voted in favour.”
“Ensuring the well-being of our communities is paramount. The Board of Health's commitment and responsibility lie in prioritizing the health needs of the communities we serve,” she added. “Today’s decision reflects that commitment.
"The decision not to proceed with a merger was made following a review of the wide range of potential impacts arising from a merger, including benefits and risks related to service delivery, finance, the workforce, and the broader health system. While some benefits were possible with a merger, such as a larger and more diverse workforce capacity for the APH BOH, the benefits did not outweigh the ongoing increased costs of a merger over the longer term.”
“The APH Board values the ability to adapt services to meet the diversity of local health needs. The COVID-19 pandemic response in Algoma, where broad provincial actions were combined with unique local public health measures, was a clear example of a successful local public health approach that was tailored to the priority health concerns of our local partners and communities.
"The board is aware that there will be changes in 2025, at this time the board feels that it is in a good position.”
APH has released the decision on its website.