There’s a lot to unpack in today’s Highlander regarding plans and operations at Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS).
Notably, the organization is looking to consolidate its long-term care services to Minden, essentially shuttering the 30-bed Highland Wood in Haliburton in favour of a bolstered unit at Hyland Crest.
It’s something we’ve heard murmurs about for months, but now it’s been confirmed, with hospital president and CEO Veronica Nelson saying the plan is to submit a proposal for a 92-bed addition in Minden by the end of March.
The project, earmarked at around $49 million, has to be ratified by the Ministry of Long-Term Care. Though Nelson’s hopeful of a five-year turnaround, this is far from a done deal. The results of this week’s provincial election will play a major part, no doubt.
It’s interesting that the word “consolidation” was used by Nelson to describe the move, especially given the sensitivities that remain following the closure of the Minden ER 18 months ago.
One wonders if this was the organization’s plan all along – to establish Haliburton as the primary emergency site, and Minden as the main care home for seniors.
The previous hospital administration claimed staffing shortages were what drove them to the decision to close Minden’s ER. The overarching message was the community would be better served by one fully staffed and operational ER than clinging to two facilities that, according to HHHS officials, were constantly in danger of temporary closure.
According to Nelson, HHHS has hired 142 new staff over the past 18 months – including 32 nurses, 22 PSWs and four ER doctors (three full-time and one part-time). She says wait times for patients were stable at two-and-a-half hours for much of last year.
By the numbers, it appears the decision has had positive results. Being careful not to compare the two situations, Nelson indicated similar factors were at play when deciding upon this LTC merger. Comments like, “having two small homes is not sustainable,” and “we’re looking at consolidation and expansion,” is sure to give some a case of déjà vu.
A community forum has been scheduled for March 5 in Minden, where Nelson said she wants to hear how locals feel about the proposal. It was indicated the session has been planned specifically so staff can adjust the LTC application if something worthwhile were to be raised.
It will be interesting to hear how the Haliburton community feels about potentially losing one of its long-term care facilities. Granted, the effect is nowhere close to the same as losing an emergency department, but we wager it will create a certain level of concern and angst, nonetheless.
After inheriting a circa $4 million deficit when she joined as interim CEO in summer 2023, Nelson has made great strides reducing that number over the past 18 months. As of Sept. 30, HHHS’ debt had shrunk to $700,000. We’re hearing it could be gone completely by the end of this fiscal year on March 31.
If the staffing and money situation surrounding the LTC sites follows a similar path to what we’re being told is happening with emergency services, then perhaps this is positive news.
One thing we do know is that Nelson and her team seem to have learned from the mistakes of their predecessors. It’s encouraging they’re bringing this news to the community and offering opportunities to provide feedback before the application is submitted.
This is your chance to be heard, County residents. The session is happening in person March 5 at the Minden Health Hub, with virtual access at hhhs.ca/master-planning.
