Sudbury and Algoma health units look at possible merger
Algoma Public Health and Public Health Sudbury & Districts are asking the province to fund a feasibility study on a potential merger between the two agencies.
The move comes after an Ontario Government request for health units to consider voluntary mergers as a means of increasing capacity for smaller health units. Algoma Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Loo says this is only the first step in determining whether a merger makes sense.
"The step of doing the feasibility is really important for us to do our due diligence and to clearly delineate the benefits and the drawbacks of a potential merger so that our board can make informed decisions and take control over how public health services are ultimately delivered to meet the needs of our local communities," she said.
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Loo adds if the province were to mandate a merger, the feasibility study would at least prepare the two health units for what that would look like.
She added the provincial officials have stated this is not a cost-cutting exercise and there is no intent to close offices.
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