News

York Region Hospitals Ready for Y2K

York Region - The three York Region hospitals are well prepared for the transition to the year 2000. All testing, upgrading and replacement of date sensitive equipment is completed at Markham Stouffville (Markham), York Central (Richmond Hill) and York County (Newmarket) Hospitals. Individual hospital, inter-hospital and region-wide emergency response plans have also been updated to address patient and community safety concerns in the advent of any emergency situation including the potential disruption in services associated with the transition to the new millennium.

"Our current level of readiness is due to extensive planning and preparations which began over two years ago," says Frank Lussing, President and CEO of York Central Hospital. "At that time, each of the three York Region hospitals formed task forces to achieve Y2K compliance. An alliance was also formed amongst the Region's hospitals to share Y2K related information and expertise to protect the quality of patient care during the rollover to the Year 2000."

Serving the fastest growing communities in the province, the three hospitals were faced with the challenge to prepare for Y2K while continuing to cope with the incredible pace of growth in York Region. To achieve that goal, the tri-hospital group has also worked closely with local police, fire departments, municipalities, ambulance services, the York Region District Health Council, the York Region Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) and representatives of the Region of York.

"Y2K teams at all three hospitals have worked hard to minimize any impact the Year 2000 may have on the provision of health care services," explains Jim MacLean, President and CEO of Markham Stouffville Hospital. "We have also used the opportunity to develop inter-hospital contingency plans so that we will be better prepared to assist on another should we be affected by an isolated emergency."

The experience of preparing for the Y2K transition has been so successful that the tri-hospital committee has decided to continue working together, in cooperation with the Region of York and other community service partners to further develop its regional preparedness. Relationships formed over the past two years will continue to yield benefits for the communities served by the partnering facilities and services.

"Patient safety and comfort remains our top priority. York Region Hospitals are well prepared to continue to provide quality health care to our communities throughout the transition, and into the new year," says Dan Carriere, President and CEO of York County Hospital. "On behalf of York County, York Central and Markham Stouffville Hospitals, we extend our sincerest wishes for a happy and safe holiday season to all."