Zone doctors from the Sioux Lookout Zone Family Practice Association dissolving their corporation
Press release
Joint Communique SLMHC – SLFNHA - Physician Services
Sioux Lookout, Ontario - November 18, 2009 - The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) and the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Center (SLMHC), are aware of the recent decision of the Sioux Lookout Zone Family Practice Association to dissolve their corporation. We are pleased to hear that many of the physicians want to stay in the area and continue to provide medical services to the people of the region in the communities and in the hospital. Both SLFNHA and SLMHC are working together to ensure there is no disruption of services to the northern communities and the hospital.
Both organizations will be working to put in place an interim management plan:
- To secure contracts for those physicians wishing to remain working in the region. In addition, they will also be discussing transition issues with the existing support personnel that wish to work with the new management and administrative structure.
- To hire new physicians as needed and available
- To support finalizing negotiations with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and Health Canada and the implementation of that agreement
Both organizations are cognizant of the importance of maintaining high quality patient care and will strive to maintain the important physician - patient relationship. Both SLFNHA and SLMHC are very aware of the principles of a regional service model and increased medical services under which the Physician’s Services Negotiations is being conducted and will make sure this interim transition management respects those principles.
The Sioux Lookout Menoyawin Health Center (SLMHC) is Ontario’s newest hospital. It was created as a result of the 1997 Four Party Agreement. In addition to providing hospital services to the people of Sioux Lookout and the immediate surrounding area, it also provides this service to the members of the 28 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario.
The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority was created in the early 1990’s through a recommendation of the Scott, McKay, and Bain Health Panel. It provides programs and services to the same 28 First Nations. More importantly, it provides support to the Chiefs of these 28 First Nations in strategic planning and development in the area of health services.
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For more information please contact:
Renee Southwind, Communications & Community Development
Sioux Lookout Menoyawin Health Centre
(807) 737-5133
rsouthwind@slmhc.on.ca
Irene Dube, Communications Officer
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority
(807) 737-6124
Irene.dube@slfnha.com