Health minister has final say on Restorative Care Unit in Chesley, says Huron-Bruce MPP

Monday, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was joined by Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker, and Paul Rosebush, president and chief executive officer of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, in a meeting at Queen's Park with with health ministry officials to discuss the impending closure of the Restorative Care Unit in Chesley.

 

The facility is a 10-bed unit built to help patients regain their independence after the acute phase of an illness, with the expectation that they are able to return home. Currently, the unit is scheduled to close at the end of June due to a lack of funding.

 

"The number of seniors is set to double in the next 16 years and we need to ensure critical resources are available to assist those who wish to remain at home, and guarantee they have access to the best care possible," said Walker. 

 

"The health ministry expressed interest in looking at maintaining service, but my colleague (Walker) and I were clear the South Bruce Grey Health Centre and its board have already put their best effort forward," said Thompson. "Everyone agreed there is more work to be done but now it is time for health minister (Dr. Eric) Hoskins, and the South West LHIN (Local Health Integration Network) to do their part."

 

Walker said he recommended the health ministry embrace the Restorative Care Unit model, and that Hoskins direct the LHIN to find resources to keep it open.

"Surely, they have the ability to re-purpose some of their non-patient funds to this unit in an effort to ensure that people receive this care where they need it and when they need it, and this valuable program remains available in our region," said Walker.

 

"On one hand, this government says it wants patients to stay at home for as long as possible, but on the other hand, it won't commit to the necessary funding to keep this unit in Chesley open," said Thompson. "It is now in the minister's hands and I sincerely hope he does the right thing, and whatever possible, to keep this program available."