Future of Hamilton’s Public Health department in jeopardy

The city of Hamilton is taking stock of provincial cutbacks to the health budget. One of the ramifications could be the end of a Public Health department in the city.

The province wants to change local Public Health units to 10 regional entities.

Hamilton would be part of a health region that would include Niagara, Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant; like the existing Local Health Integration Network but with Burlington excluded.

The funding formula would change to a 60-40 provincial municipal cost split over the next three or four years.

Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health told the Board of Health Monday that local health funding will be cut this year and some councilors were very concerned.

Elizabeth Richardson says she will have more funding information in a month or so, but the whole process will be done gradually over the next few years.