News

Alliance Between Hospitals Means More Services Closer to Home

Newmarket, Ontario November 18, 1999 York County Hospital in Newmarket and Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston have initiated several collaborative efforts in service delivery over the past years, but an announcement made in March 1999 from the Health Care Restructuring Commission (HSRC) has brought formalization to this network. This is one of 18 hospital networks being developed province-wide in an attempt to provide specialized services to smaller communities.

"The formalization of this network supports each organizations goals and allows us to be more effective in achieving them," stated Daniel P. Carriere, President, York County Hospital.

The two Hospitals made a joint submission to the HSRC in September 1999 that outlined the network's vision to be the model health care alliance network in the province as well as its objectives to promote quality patient care and seamless access to services for the residents of each community. Guiding Principles included in the submission state that each hospital's Board of Directors will continue to own, manage and conduct the affairs of their respective facilities. Therefore, the purpose of the network is not to detract from the responsibilities of each organization, but rather, bring together each hospital's strengths to provide enhanced services.

"Stevenson Memorial Hospital and York County Hospital have enjoyed a cooperative and supportive relationship. This formal network will enhance the alliance with the objective of tangible improvement in the delivery of health care to our communities," stated Edward Takacs, Executive Director, Stevenson Memorial Hospital.

Stevenson Memorial and York County have already embarked on a number of initiatives that include:

• Management support to Stevenson Memorial's Mental Health Program in developing new programs and services.
• An understanding that York County will accept and provide obstetrical care to transferred patients should the need arise.
• A newly developed pain management clinic at Stevenson Memorial Staffed by three York County Anaesthesiologists.
• Training and education in York County's Birthing Unit for obstetrical nurses from Stevenson Memorial.
• Implementation of a shared Information Management System that will allow Stevenson to share York County's computer software and hardware.
   

Contact: Hospital Promotions