Annual General Meeting & Dinner March 25 - Register here   

Premier McGuinty recently said that Healthcare consumes 42 cents of your tax dollar, rising to 72 cents within 12 years...threatening the budget for business investment, education and environment.  Join us on Thursday March 25th at 5:30 p.m. for our annual general meeting dinner and special presentation with Michael Barrett as our keynote speaker for the evening. Michael is the CEO of the South West Local Health Integration Network, the man who oversees how and where Healthcare dollars are spent in our area. He is tasked with getting the best bang for our buck, integrating all health care providers with the goal of reducing wait times, giving greater access to doctors and nurses, and generally making us a healthier bunch.  It's worthwhile to check out some background infomation below as your opinion is invited in a question and answer session as part of the presentation. Thank you to the generosity of Bruce Telecom, Premier Event Sponsor of this exciting evening.  Thanks    also to Supporting Sponsors, Chartwell Select and Carruthers Nicol Insurance and Investments, for their continued benefits to our Chamber.   Location: Best Western Inn on the Bay Cost is $55 members, $65 non members.  
Register Here 

Additional infomation:

Michael Barrett, Chief Executive Officer, South West Local Health Integration Network.
Mr.Barrett has over 19 years of experience in municipal planning and health care administration. He began his career with the County of Oxford as a planner in several municipalities. Michael moved into health care with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, where he became Manager of Planning and Support at the South West Regional office. He also worked with the Paediatric and Perinatal Partnerships of Southwestern Ontario, through London's hospitals and as the Business Manager for Women and Children's Services at London Health Sciences Centre. Michael joined the South West LHIN as the Senior Director, Performance, Contract and Allocation and was appointed the Acting CEO in August 2008. In January 2009, the South West LHIN Board of Directors appointed Michael as the Chief Executive Officer.

What is a Local Health Integration Network?
     Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) are a fundamental component of the government’s plan to build a stronger health care system in Ontario. Passed in March 2006, the Local Health System Integration Act is intended to create a health care system that keeps people healthy, cares for them when they are sick and will be there for their children and grandchildren.
The provincial plan for making that vision a reality has three priorities: Healthier Ontarians, reduced wait times, and better access to doctors and nurses. These priorities will be supported by initiatives to improve the planning, management and coordination of services through the 14 LHINS that were established in 2005. LHINs determine the health care priorities and services required in their local communities, reflecting the reality that a community’s health needs and priorities are best understood by those familiar with the community.
     The name says it all - The South West LHIN ensures that LOCAL people -- health care providers and consumers -- help to identify health care priorities and solutions, based on local needs, wants, circumstances and expectations.The LHIN is responsible for ensuring the HEALTH of the population within its geographic area, by providing high quality health promotion, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. LHINs will, for the first time, involve Ontarians in the health care conversation.
     Another key word is INTEGRATION. The LHIN brings together organizations across the health continuum, from health centres and community care to hospitals and long-term care, to ensure that consumers get the care they need, when and where they need it. Ultimately, integration means a more efficient and effective system – and that’s important at a time when health care costs are increasing and our population is aging.
     By functioning as a NETWORK – a group or organizations and individuals linked by shared goals – the LHIN insures that the health care system is not a frustrating labyrinth for consumers, but rather a clear path to improved health for all.
Role and responsibilities
    The South West LHIN is responsible for engaging health care providers, consumers, volunteers and the public in the work that lies ahead.
     By bringing together publicly funded health agencies and organizations in our area, the South West LHIN will help to ensure a seamless continuum of high quality care for health care consumers and their families. The South West LHIN will be responsible for the accountability arrangements and funding of:
- Public and private hospitals
- South West Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)
- Community support service agencies
- Community mental health and addiction agencies
- Community health centres
- Long-term care homes
     The LHIN will work closely with-- but is not directly responsible for-- the funding of physicians, public health, ambulance services, laboratories, and provincial drug programs.

 This event is sponsored by Bruce Telecom