The health unit covering Oxford and Elgin counties won't be merging with those covering Brant County and Haldimand-Norfolk.
The Southwestern Public Health Board has voted against a three way merger with the Brant County Health Unit and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. The vote came after a feasibility study that looked at potential benefits of a merger.
"The three health units began exploring potential alignment options in connection with Ontario’s Strengthening Public Health Strategy. An independent consulting firm prepared a feasibility assessment report and presented it to all three Boards of Health to aid in their decision-making process," Southwestern Public Health said in a news release issued Friday morning.
According to Southwestern Public Health, the study did identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the three health units, but it did not find anything that would improve health outcomes for residents of Oxford County, Elgin County, and St. Thomas.
“A merger is a significant undertaking. We went through an amalgamation in 2018 and are still coming together as an organization,” said Southwestern Public Health Board Chair Bernia Martin. “Right now, we intend to remain focused on making measurable impacts to population health, and delivering high-quality programs that meet local needs in this region.”
Last year, the Ontario government offered one-time funding, resources, and support to health units that would merge by January 1, 2025.
“We remain committed to the vision of a stronger public health sector that prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and a deeper connection to public health priorities that shape future communities. Exploring voluntary mergers was just one aspect of this work,” said Martin.
While the three way merger won't be happening, the Boards of Health for the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and Brant County Health Unit have signed a letter of intent to merge.