The Grey Bruce Health Unit must implement some new Health Program Standards beginning this year.
Medical Officer of Health Doctor Hazel Lynn says this will mean more accountability for the Health Unit.
She says failing to meet the new standards may result in a loss of government grants and funding for Health Unit programs.
The next step is for the board to review the new standards set out by the government, and sign an agreement.
The new standards will apply to five main programs…Emergency Preparedness, Chronic Disease and Injury, Family Health, Infectious Disease and Environmental Safety.
Doctor Lynn tells Bayshore Broadcasting News there are indicators the government feels are illustrative of each programs success.
For example, regarding Family Health programs — Doctor Lynn says they are looking at how many baby friendly venues they have, where mothers can breastfeed a child.
Doctor Lynn says they are in the process of making several places in municipalities across Grey Bruce baby friendly — putting them well ahead of the set standards.
Environmental Standards guidelines indicate they must have all of their drinking water assessments done by July, and Doctor Lynn notes they are on track to complete that as well.
She says this is a five-year plan, tailor made to accommodate individual Health Units.
The Grey-Bruce Health Unit is also going to be a part of a new Emergency Response Military Model.
Doctor Lynn says military personnel from the Meaford Land Forces Central Area Training Centre will be deployed should there be a major disaster of any kind.
She adds the Health Unit will be part of that to offer medical support in conjunction with a military operation.
