SWPH Board votes against voluntary merger

Board of Health explored a three-way merger with Brant County Health Unit and Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit as part of Ontario’s Strengthening Public Health Strategy

The Southwestern Public Health Board of Health has voted against voluntarily merging with Brant County Health Unit and Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit after completing a comprehensive feasibility assessment into a proposed three-way merger.

The three health units began exploring potential alignment options in connection with Ontario’s Strengthening Public Health Strategy. An independent consulting firm prepared a feasibility assessment report and presented it to all three Boards of Health to aid in their decision-making process.

While the study identified opportunities to enhance collaboration that exists between the three health units, the Southwestern Public Health Board of Health found no clear indication that the merger would result in improved health outcomes for communities in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas.

“A merger is a significant undertaking. We went through an amalgamation in 2018 and are still coming together as an organization,” says Bernia Martin, Board of Health Chair at Southwestern Public Health. “Right now, we intend to remain focused on making measurable impacts to population health, and delivering high-quality programs that meet local needs in this region.”

In August 2023, the Ministry of Health released its Strengthening Public Health Strategy and announced one-time funding, resources, and support to health units who voluntarily merge by January 1, 2025. The Strategy intends to build a stronger, more connected public health system.

“We remain committed to the vision of a stronger public health sector that prioritizes innovation, collaboration, and a deeper connection to public health priorities that shape future communities. Exploring voluntary mergers was just one aspect of this work,” says Martin.