Local public health bodies from Belleville, Kingston and Brockville have voted to unite. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health, and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit will form the new South East Health Unit.

The new unit will represent nearly 550,000 residents over 20,000 square kilometres. It commences operations January 1.

In August 2023, the Ministry of Health announced plans to strengthen the public health sector by offering one-time funding, resources and support to local public health agencies that voluntarily merged by the end of the year.

In an update provided to Council earlier this year, HPEPH Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ethan Toumishey said the goal of the merger strategy was to have all public health agencies with a critical mass capacity to meet unexpected surges in demand, along with the skills to deliver all core public health services. The goal is to improve health outcomes while reducing inequities.

“A merger of our three agencies will strengthen capacity and local public health programs and services, resulting in overall healthier communities across the South East region,” said HPEPH Board Chair Jan O’Neill.

Funding Incentives

The Ministry of Health will provide funding for the first three years of transition. In correspondence obtained by the Gazette, Minister of Health Sylvia Jones told Chair O’Neill that the province is providing up to $4.628 million to HPEPH in funding to support transition and stabilization costs, and up to $350,000 in capital funding for 2024-25.

Also in that correspondence, Deputy Premier Jones labelled the amalgamation initiative as critical work to strengthen the public health sector and added it is the province’s intention that there be no fiscal impacts to municipalities as a result.

“This work is a priority for our government and aligns with overall Ministry plans to optimize our healthcare system and improve health care outcomes by connecting Ontarians to faster and more convenient care,” Ms. Jones stated.

She added any operational efficiencies including any anticipated efficiencies realized through a reduction of full-time equivalent staff positions are to be directed to frontline operations and direct service delivery programs.

Dr. Piotr Oglaza serves as the Medical Officer of Health and CEO for the merged agency. 

A board of health with representation from across the region will be created in the new year. Dr. Toumishey will still oversee Hastings Prince Edward.