A Windsor-Essex hospital has turned its attention to the future.
Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC) has launched the "Erie Shores 2050" initiative, to plan for the next quarter-century of health care in the county.
"Erie Shores 2050 is about growth and opportunity," said President and CEO Kristin Kennedy. "As we all know, our communities are growing in both population and economic diversity, and with that comes growing pains. So, the timing is right to start engaging the communities and people we serve about what they would like to see in their local hospital."
The hospital has taken the first step by completing its capital master plan, to be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Health in the days ahead. This document creates a long-term infrastructure plan for the hospital.
ESHC is also planning a series of comprehensive public comment sessions, to get residents' input on the future of health care in the region. The sessions will begin sometime this fall with everyone living and working in the hospital's catchment area welcome.
The hospital will also work with the Erie Shores Health Foundation to commission a study identifying regional trends.
"For almost 75 years, our communities have watched their hospital grow and change and a huge reason for that has been the immense community support we get from residents and business leaders," said Foundation Executive Director Penny Bellhouse. "Erie Shores 2050 is critical in ensuring we do right by those supporters moving forward."
An update on "Erie Shores 2050" will be presented to the ESHC Board of Directors at its meeting in September.