For everyone's information, I am posting Councillor Lunau's Notice of Motion which she will be presenting to Milton Council this Monday March 26th at 7 pm regarding the concerns that the Globe and Mail newspaper published in its Wednesday March 21st edition speculating that the expansion of Milton District Hospital would be delayed. Councillor Lunau is the Town representative on the Halton Healthcare board is circulating this concern for residents input on the issue.
Conversations with Ministry of Health indicate that this newspaper article is SPECULATIVE and that officially the Minister's approval stand and the process witll continue at its accelerated rate. However, no one can speak to the provincial budget which will be announced next week.
If you are concerned, you are encourgaed to put your concerns in writing or email to
ccu.moh@ontario.ca. This is the corporate communications unit that is responsible for the formal vetting and counting of such emails. To be most effective, including a question or state an expectation of a response from the Minister.
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This is the Notice of Motion that will be considered by Council on Monday evening.
Item: Milton District Hospital
Requested by Councillor Lunau
Whereas the Town of Milton has nearly tripled in since since 2000 and continues to attract new residents as Canada's fastest growing municipality;
And Whereas the current Milton District Hospital is grossly undersized to meet resident's community hospital needs and the current facility is very outdated and nearing the end of its useful life;
And Whereas the redevelopment plans include critical capacity increases and improvements in emergency, diagnostics, surgery, obstetrics and medical services to meet the growing needs of Milton residents;
And Whereas Halton Healthcare services has worked with the Mississauga-Halton Local Health Integration Network (MHLHIN) on the scope of the Milton District Hospital expansionand has the support of the MHLHIN;
And Whereas the Town of Milton has committed to help with the Local Share contribution and has established a Hospital Reserve funded by a Hospital Tax Levy, as well as a $ 500,000 contribution from the 2011 budget surplus;
And Whereas any delay in the Milton District Hospital expansion beyond the projected completion date of 2017 would have a critical impact on access to care for Milton residents;
Therefore be it resolved that the Town of Milton Council asks the Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care to reconfirm the Province's committment to Milton residents stating that the expansion of the Milton District Hospital remains a key priority and will proceed with utmost urgency.
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I will be commenting more on this motion at the council meeting and invite residents to email the above address and local MPP's to express their concerns on the importance of the hospital expansion.
Colin Best
Local & regional councillor
Wards 2,3,4,5 North of Derry road.
Milton/Halton