Hundreds of Islanders took the opportunity recently to participate in setting future direction for health and social services by attending public consultations on a five-year strategic plan for the health and social services system.
"The consultations were well attended, and the process was generally very
positive," advised Health and Social Services Minister Jamie Ballem. "Most people were supportive of the direction proposed in the draft plan, and most of the issues they raised were consistent with those identified in the plan. The consultations were an excellent opportunity to talk with Islanders about the issues facing our system, potential solutions, and our shared responsibility for health."
Michael Gallant, Southern Kings Health Board Chair added that the strong support indicated for some priorities provides momentum for the system to move forward immediately. "For example, there was widespread support for wellness initiatives that assist Islanders to take more responsibility for their own health, investments in healthy child development, and initiatives to examine scope of practice and maximize the skills of all health providers," he said.
Other priorities included the need for the health and social services system to build stronger partnerships with non-government organizations, the education sector, and sectors with responsibility for the environment and employment.
Participants stressed the need for caution in the reallocation of resources, and the importance of keeping people informed and involved in these processes and decisions. They want to be assured that the special needs of children, seniors and low income Islanders will continue to be addressed. The system was also asked to be mindful of the overwhelming support for a sustainable system that ensures Islanders continued access to publicly funded and publicly administered health and social services.
Input received through the consultations will be integrated into the final planning document which will be available in Fall 2001. Minister Ballem advised that positive support for the goals and issues identified in the plan suggests that major changes will not be required in these areas. "However, participants suggested repeatedly that the plan is ambitious, and implementation will be a challenge," the minister said. "No doubt, the very constructive feedback received through the consultations will be very helpful to the health system when it comes time for operational planning and budgeting."
A summary report of the consultations was released today by the Minister and the Regional Health Authority Board Chairs. The report is available in both languages through the department and regions, and on the website at www.gov.pe.ca. The public will continue to be consulted and involved in the assessment of the strategic plan as it is implemented.