The former directors with the Sydenham District Hospital board had some parting words on Thursday evening, while meeting with Rob Devitt, the new supervisor for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
With the appointment of the new supervisor from the province, this inevitably led to the dissolution of the SDH board in Wallaceburg, and both boards in Chatham.
“I am privileged to have been part of the organization and scenario that started the critical directional changes needed to restore health care in the community to what its residents deserve,” said George Lung, outgoing director.
“The investigation and report done by Bonnie Adamson was thorough, fair and consistent with what the community has complained about since almost the inception of the CKHA. It was a vindication after almost two decades of struggle. The appointment of Rob Devitt as Supervisor of the Hospitals is a welcome and necessary step in the process of healing and re-organization of both governance and operations.
Lung added: “The departure of Colin Patey and the appointment of Ken Deane as CEO are also significant and welcome initial steps to provide an essential fresh start. Although it saddens me, and I am sure that the same feelings reside with my colleagues and the members of the community, the dissolution of the SDH Board, as well as that of the other two boards, is another necessary step if the existing problems are going to be solved.”
Lung said he is counting on the “expertise and fairness” provided by Devitt and Deane to create a new environment for the CKHA.
“The community will provide support and cooperation along the way for positive improvements, corrections and changes to our hospital,” he said.
“I depart reluctantly, but with renewed optimism and confidence.”
Conrad Noel, the outgoing vice chair of the SDH, said he hopes for continued community input.
“If you talk to anybody from this area they will tell you that Sydenham has been sliced by a thousand cuts,” he said. “Now that we no longer exist as a board, I really, really hope that you are going to seek external resources and SOS (the Save Our Sydenham committee) is an excellent resource because we do have access to the community.”
Noel added that he welcomes Devitt to his role and hopes he will work with the community moving forward.
Rex Isaac, who had been recently appointed to the SDH board, said he hopes the new supervisor will create a sense of cultural competence within the CKHA.
“I believe the board was looking at implementing that and moving in that direction,” he said. “So I hope that is something you consider.”
Isaac added he sees too many people on Walpole Island not living past 60-years of age.
“That is one thing I wanted to see change,” he said.
Kris Lee, outgoing director, said she wants to see Devitt, Deane and the current administration with the CKHA, to learn about the community.
“Learn about it from within this community… the things you hear outside the community may not be accurate,” Lee said.
Lee also provided Devitt with some historical information and books about the Wallaceburg area, along with some free passes the the Wallaceburg and District Museum.
Sheldon Parsons, the outgoing chair of the SDH board, had a long list of people to thank.
“Thank you to each and every one of the board members for what you have done on behalf of your communities,” he said.
“This has been a long haul, it’s been a stressful time and I want to appreciate on behalf on the communities how much you how much you have done and how much you have put yourselves out there because it was through your efforts that Rob is here and we are working towards a solution.”
Parsons also thanked the media, SDH membership and the community for their ongoing support.
“I appreciate always the opportunity to make sure the message gets out because… it is very important that the community know and the community is engaged because that’s what makes us strong,” he said.
“To the members, Conrad you mentioned that the 539 but there is thousands out there that are seeing and believing and feeling the same way. To our communities. Our communities have been supportive with what we have been trying to do, what we thought was right and communities are the strength that has been able to bring to the forum.”
Here is more coverage form Thursday’s meeting: SDH board dissolved in Wallaceburg
I would like to thank all those on the Board, and off who worked so hard to save our hospital. Lets hope this is the beginning of restoring our hospital!!
I’m very thankful to have lived in Wallaceburg for over 40 yrs and supported the Wallaceburg Hospital over the years and still do. Wallaceburg has some very great Dr.’s. and nurses I was very lucky a couple of times with having great Dr’.s and Nurses that have prolonged my life span and there is no way In this life time that I can do or say to THANK ALL THE DR.’S AND GREAT NURSES AT THE WALLACEBURG CAMPUS. The Wallaceburg campus is a major need for Wallaceburg and surrounding areas to continue to save lives Thank you For listening