Despite a year of significant staff changes at Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS), the organization said it’s still full steam ahead for planning an expansion of long-term care in the County – as well as acquiring more hospital beds.
New president and CEO Jack Hutchison, along with outgoing board chair, Irene Odell, talked about the master planning process at the annual general meeting June 25.
Odell said following the departure of Veronica Nelson, interim CAO Jennifer Burns-West, who has since left, and Hutchinson had ensured progress on their vision. They plan to move all Highlands’ longterm care (LTC) beds to Minden.
They have applied to the Ministry of Long-Term Care to expand from 62 beds at Minden’s Hyland Crest to a 160-bed facility. If approved, HHHS will close the 30-bed Highland Wood home in Haliburton.
The project would be a significant expansion of the rebranded Minden Health Hub site, with a new LTC wing to be built on the eastern portion of the property, connecting to the existing Hyland Crest.
It’s estimated the project will cost at least $49 million, with a general rule of $500,000 for each new LTC bed.
The current Highland Wood site would be retrofitted as an extension to the Haliburton hospital and be used to build the capacity of acute care and inpatient services.
Worker satisfaction ‘improvement’
Hutchison said, “the ministry of health has endorsed our stage one submission, and we’re moving forward with our master plan. This is a complicated long-term project, which requires us to engage two separate ministries with two distinct capital processes.
“Our efforts are currently focused on securing funds needed to make this project a reality. And we remain committed to building a small care home model and incorporating elements of the green care farm and partnering with academic institutions on learning and research opportunities and building hospital facilities, and delivering services that meet the needs of our community today and into the future.”
A green care farm is a therapeutic care model that combines activities with social care and support. Designed primarily for individuals with cognitive decline (such as dementia), these farms offer things such as outdoor work, sensory engagement, and community building. HHHS representatives visited green care farms in the Netherlands in 2025.
Odell added, “projects of this scale unfold over many, many, years, and we are encouraged by the ministry support and pleased to be moving forward with our planning process. This work represents an important investment in the future of care for our community and reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of residents and families across Haliburton County.”
In 2025, Nelson told The Highlander, “we haven’t had many changes [to acute care] and we need to make some to give us the capacity we need for the next 10 years.” Nelson added with the population in HHHS’ catchment area expected to increase by 22 per cent over the next 20 years, “this is the way we step back and think about what services and programs are needed in the County now and in the long-term. It’s a long process, but an important one.”
Diagnostic imaging and ER upgrades
Odell told attendees at the 30th AGM it had been a year of “growth, transformation, and collaboration.”
She said they achieved a significant milestone with the completion of the diagnostic imaging renovation project.
“This investment has modernized diagnostic services, strengthened patient care, and improved access to high quality imaging closer to home,” the chair said.
Odell added HHHS is looking forward to the completion of emergency room renovations, which she called, “another important investment in creating safer, more modern care environments for our patients and our teams.”
Hutchison said ER changes have relocated the x-ray space to a former corporate office, allowing for two additional stretchers, three procedure chairs, better flow, privacy and more efficient use of resources. It’s also home to a new mental health crisis room. The department now has volunteers as well.
Odell said the achievements would not be possible without the generosity of the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation, Minden Health Care auxiliary, and community supporters.
Speaking to a year of significant staffing changes, Odell said the organization is looking forward to the leadership and vision Hutchison brings.
“Throughout these transitions, the thing that struck me the most is how our team at HHHS was able to continue to provide exceptional service to our community, and has remained focused on advancing our many initiatives. This continued momentum is a testament to the strength, dedication, and resiliency of the incredible team we have in place. Their commitment to our patients, residents, clients, and one another has ensured we continue to move forward with confidence and purpose.”
Hutchison said 78 per cent of survey respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied to work at HHHS – “a dramatic improvement” from a few years ago. They now have an expanded employee recognition program as well.
Diana McNiven and Mark Bell were reappointed to the board with Rev. Dr. Connie Phillipson, John Oliver, Doris Stamml, Dale Patterson and Connie Wood appointed.
