A group continues with its efforts to de-amalgamate the Kincardine hospital from the South Bruce Grey Health Centre.
Friends of the Kincardine Hospital is concerned about the loss of services at the hospital and the centralization of activities at the Walkerton location.
They also don’t like the fact that decisions at the Kincardine Hospital are made by a 21-member board composed mostly of members from other communities.
Spokesperson Greg McLelland says the Local Health Integration Network hasn’t been receptive to the idea during the meetings they’ve had.
A meeting was also held with provincial officials in Toronto — which McLelland says went better — but no promises were made.
McLelland says the South Bruce Grey Health Centre won’t provide them with the line-by-line budget they need in order to develop their business plan for making the hospital a stand-alone facility.
He says some officials have told them the budget doesn’t exist, while others say it does.
Council has decided to assist Friends of the Hospital with efforts to access the budget documents, which could come in the form of a Freedom of Information request.
No direct financial contributions will be made.
Mayor Larry Kraemer and Deputy Mayor Laura Haight say they aren’t necessarily convinced that de-amalgamation is the best option for the hospital, but they have no problem with helping the Friends find the facts they’re looking for.
Kraemer says a reasoned decision can’t be made without all of the details and says if the numbers show de-amalgamation could work, he might change his views.
Haight says public money is involved and supports efforts to find out how it is being spent.
Councillors Gordon Campbell, Marsha Leggett, and Mike Leggett all stated their support for the Friends of the Hospital’s efforts.
McLelland understands the Mayor and Deputy Mayor aren’t in full support of amalgamation, but is pleased they’ll help the Friends get the information they need so they can proceed with their plan.
Friends of the Kincardine Hospital has collected three thousand signatures in favour of leaving the South Bruce Grey Health Centre.
Two of the community’s doctors are also a member of their committee.