KAWARTHA LAKES-The Province has proposed the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) be merged into a super sized organization that includes Peterborough and Durham.
This new health unit will serve more than 1 million people.
“The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit has been told by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that it will be merged with Peterborough Public Health, Durham Region Health Department and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health as of April 1, 2020.” Medical Officer of Health Dr Lynn Noseworthy told Kawartha 411.
It’s unclear at this point how many jobs, if any, will be lost or if the office in Lindsay will remain open. “We are still awaiting further details and direction from the Province as to how this will take effect. The Province has promised further discussions with health units, their boards of health and municipalities in the near future.”
Noseworthy says she has concerns about the proposal. “As we’ve said before, we are concerned what this proposal could mean for important public health programs and services for residents in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County and Northumberland County that help prevent illness, protect against disease and promote health. However, at this point, we do not know how the proposed amalgamation will affect things.”
The Ford Government announced in April it would cut the number of public health units from 35 to 10 across the province.
“As we learn more, we will be updating our community on any potential impact and changes it will have for residents.” Noseworthy stated.
