Hospital Improvement Plan

On May 1, 2009, Sault Area Hospital (SAH) today presented its Hospital Improvement Plan (HIP) to the NE LHIN at an open session of its Board meeting held in Sault Ste. Marie.

The HIP outlines a framework for dealing with the financial challenges facing SAH and is predicated on a collaborative effort between the hospital, the NE LHIN and Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) to enhance the infrastructure and resources available in the community and region as a whole. Once fully implemented, the plan calls for a balanced operating budget by fiscal 2011/12, coincident with the move to the new hospital.

“We have said all along that SAH cannot continue to try to be everything to everyone. We are part of the health care system, not the entire system,” stated Ron Gagnon, President & CEO of SAH. “The HIP outlines strategies and a framework for a stronger, more integrated and effective local/regional health care system by dealing with significant issues such as ALC, chronic disease management, access to family physicians, specialists and other community resources.”

The Hospital Improvement Plan was developed as a result of a comprehensive In Depth Analysis (IDA) carried out between July 2008 and January 2009. The IDA was overseen by a Steering Committee comprised of representatives from the SAH Board, management, staff, physicians and the NE LHIN. A total of 78 recommendations were contained in the IDA report.

The HIP proposes to move forward with strategies stemming from 73 of the original recommendations, resulting in an annual operational savings of approximately $4.5 million after reinvestments. Supplementary strategies have been identified to realize additional savings of approximately $2.6 million through initiatives such as reduction of NEER surcharges, sharing of Back Office services and efficiencies associated with the move to the new hospital.

Development of the HIP included a multi-phase, interdisciplinary and collaborative consultative Impact Analysis process involving SAH Senior Management, Administrative and Medical Directors, physicians and staff.

“The added value brought by the expertise, wisdom and creativity of these individuals and their respective departments is exactly what we meant by the advantages of a ‘local solutions to local problems’ approach,” added SAH Board Chair, Elaine Pitcher. “On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire SAH staff, the physicians and the Senior Management Team for their tireless efforts and dedication in developing this excellent plan.”

The Improvement Plan will be subject to a review by a third party to be appointed by the NE LHIN. The purpose of the review will be to evaluate, validate and possibly strengthen the plan as well as facilitate its implementation.

A final decision on the possible closure of Matthews Memorial Hospital (MMH) in Richards Landing has been deferred pending further consultation and analysis.

“There is too much at stake to proceed with a final determination without all the available information,” added Gagnon. “We are continuing to meet with stakeholders such as the Matthews Memorial Hospital Association and the Rural Health Steering Committee to explore all possible options with respect to the ongoing operations of MMH.”

“Furthermore, we anticipate that the third party review of our HIP will also pay significant attention to this recommendation and provide additional information and analysis, as will the MOHLTC’s newly-announced Northern and Rural Panel on Health Services.”