In order to develop our organization into a “full service hospital”, the Board of Directors focuses on close cooperation with our partners, which will allow us to strengthen existing programs and offer new specialized services in the future. Mindful of sound governance and public responsibility, the Board has initiated a strategic planning process that will include public consultation.
Sound financial management and an annual surplus policy allow the hospital more flexibility to invest in the development of clinical services. Our information technology and our computer systems are leading-edge. We are proud to have been selected with The Ottawa Hospital by eHealth Ontario for an innovative longitudinal integration project for electronic patient records.
In January 2011, we began intensive work related to the production of working plans and specifications for the hospital’s major redevelopment project. This work must be completed by July 2011.
During the past year, the hospital’s clinical programs have experienced exceptional momentum. In all, six new specialty services have been added in medicine, surgery and mental health. With this development, it is nearly forty different specialized and regional services that the H&DGH offers to the people of Glengarry, Prescott & Russell. Parallel to this growth, the H&DGH devoted sustained efforts to improve access to essential services. Significant progress has been made on waiting times in the emergency department, surgery and diagnostic imaging.
On the administrative side, the hospital established its first annual quality plan. The Quality and Risk Management Program has been implemented and the planning of the 2011 Accreditation visit scheduled for this fall has been completed. Throughout the year, the H&DGH has ensured to fully comply with the new hospital laws and regulations, particularly in regard to procurement rules and requirements of The Excellent Care for All Act.
Despite all the progress, several challenges remain that will engage our employees, physicians and managers over the next year. Our goal is to ensure that all our services and systems are at the forefront when it will be time to move to an expanded and modernized hospital.