The following guest commentary is by Micaela Grant, a communications specialist at Niagara Health
As we continue on our journey to transform hospital care in Niagara, community engagement remains at the core of our approach.
Over the last month, we have had the privilege of engaging with residents in St. Catharines and Welland, who have imparted invaluable feedback and insights that will play a crucial role in shaping our vision for the future of hospital care in Niagara. We understand that this plan touches the lives of every individual in the region, and we are dedicated to ensuring that your voices are heard and incorporated into our plan.
A summary of questions and answers from these events is available on Niagara Health’s website.
During the engagement sessions, we asked community members to reflect on what healthcare services matter most to them. The responses we received were not only enlightening but also deeply resonated with our core values of patient-centred care. While Niagara Health doesn’t oversee primary care, we are committed to supporting and advocating for the health services important to the community.
In Welland, community members were also asked to provide input on what new community healthcare services they would like to see in their community. It is exciting to image what the Welland Hospital will become when redeveloped. The hospital itself cannot provide everything, but with help from our partners and input from the community, the redevelopment of the site could include services such as a family health team, nutrition classes, an academic or teaching campus and so much more.
The Welland Hospital is, and will continue to be, a critical part of Niagara Health’s plan to transform care. Ontario Health is fully aware of the need to redevelop our current Welland Hospital site and we are actively working with the provincial government. With a redeveloped Welland Hospital, patients will be able to access their care and emergency services in a renovated space that's new and modern. Further staff and community engagement is required to submit a proposal to the Ministry of Health for the Welland Hospital site.
We want to thank everyone who participated in these community engagement sessions for your thoughtful questions and feedback. Together, we are charting a course towards a healthier future for Niagara.
Members of the community are invited to learn more about our transformation at these upcoming engagement sessions:
May 27, 6:30 p.m.
Community Engagement Session – Drop-in format
Fleming Memorial Arena – Rooms B, C and D
5020 Serena Dr., Beamsville
May 30, 6:30 p.m.
Community Engagement Session
Thorold Senior Citizens Centre
8 Carleton St S, Thorold
NEW DATE:
June 3, 6:30 p.m.
Community Engagement Session
Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre
14 Anderson Ln., Niagara-on-the-Lake
Engagement with our community and government officials will continue throughout our planning process. If you have questions you’d like answered at one of our engagement sessions, please let us know at [email protected]
