A merger between the Porcupine and Timiskaming Health Units is in the works.
PHU medical officer of health and CEO Dr. Lianne Catton says discussion has been around since the late 1990s, and been mentioned in reports about strengthening all health units in Ontario.
“And COVID-19 really confirmed that this would be a benefit to both our health units, our teams, our boards of health and most importantly, to each community across the PHU and THU region,” the MOH remarks.
The two units already complement each other, says Dr. Catton. Merging will improve programs and services and the critical capacity to respond to surges and emergencies. She emphasizes that no jobs will be lost, because this is not a cost-cutting measure.
“We’re really looking at strengthening public health. We really do need the existing public health staff, the existing public health offices in order to strengthen public health as we move forward.”
Catton says both health units will keep working together during and after the merger process. Provincial approval making it official is expected in 2025.
