The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has made several changes since the new leadership took over and more can be expected in the near future.
Through surveys, community engagement and an external audit, the organization has identified "critical gaps" that need to be addressed.
In January, the CKHA brought in a company called KPMG, which deals with audits, tax and advisory services. By following the COSO Framework model adopted in 2013, several areas such as governance and finance were looked at -- before and after new leadership.
Before the transition, the hospital had several critical gaps in almost every area. In a meeting with local media, Supervisor Rob Devitt said the findings are not surprising, but rather disappointing.
As of February 2017, the critical gaps had improved to what's called "priority gaps" and "minor gaps." However, Devitt adds more work needs to be done.
Some of the work revolves around stabilizing finances. Devitt said the organization doesn't have a revenue problem, but rather a spending problem -- something the hospital is working to address.
When this information was brought to the public's attention, many were left in disbelief.
"When we show them what had happened financially in the decisions to increase debt without a plan to repay it -- most people we talk to can't believe that people let that happen," said Devitt.
The CKHA has established what areas need work and has set out a plan with target dates in order to see improvement.
One plan the hospital is moving forward on is creating a Rural Health Advisory Committee, as a way to address the concerns expressed by members of the community who live in small rural areas.
"The rational behind that committee is to receive advice and input on regional health," said Ken Deane, interim CEO. "Not specifically the municipality's, but the whole region, because the majority of Chatham-Kent lives outside of Chatham [and Wallaceburg]."
"We wanted to make sure that we provide an opportunity for a broader voice on the delivery of health care services in this region," he said.
Interviews to become a representative for the group will take place between the end of April to the beginning of May.
