Let’s talk

Municipal leaders start a conversation about the future of health care in Prince Edward County

It is a 24-acre piece of property (previous page) that has been talked about and scrutinized in various scenarios—mainly in quiet conversations—for several years. Currently McFarland Memorial Home is situated on a small portion of the property on the northeast edge of Picton.

The municipality owns the property and at times considered part of it for a potential clinic for the County’s Family Health Team. In recent months the land has come under examination as a possible location for a new hospital and integrated Family Health Team facility.

Then, last month, the Ministry of Health ordered the closure of the Picton Manor nursing home—putting the 78 beds allocated to this facility in limbo. Further, Hospice Prince Edward is working hard to develop a residence for those unable to spend their final days at home and unwilling to spend them in a hospital setting.

Municipal leaders believe there is a role for them to bring these various conversations together, and perhaps act as a catalyst toward realizing some or all of these plans.

PLANTING A SEED
Last Tuesday, Mayor Peter Mertens and Chief Administrative Officer Merlin Dewing unveiled a concept plan—showing in a general way how a new 135,000 square foot hospital and Family Health Team facility, an assisted living development, a residential hospice as well as independent seniors condominiums, might co-exist on the site with McFarland Home.

They revealed their ideas to a gathering of invited guests representing health-care agencies, physicians and seniors’ service organizations. Scattered among the group were nine developers and investors, well-seasoned in executing such projects.

“We want to start a conversation,” said Mertens. “This isn’t a detailed blueprint—this is about starting a discussion among all those interested in how are we to serve the health care and accommodation needs in our aging community.

“Prince Edward County has a reputation for leadership in health-care delivery,” said Mertens. “We want to build on this by nurturing a range of flexible care options that bring the right level of care to County residents close to home.”

The concept plan lays out zoning, infrastructure, and planning considerations. It goes into detail explaining advantages and opportunities as well as the challenges the property poses for such development. Municipal water and sewer service is available to the site. There is also more than enough parking space available.

The document also points to potential funding sources and additional resources to potential investors or developers.

“We are looking to create something here that is greater than could be accomplished by government or the private sector on its own,” said Merlin Dewing. “I would like to encourage you to communicate any ideas you have.”

FIRST STEPS
It took a few moments for the gathering to understand the plan was presented as a concept meant to elicit ideas and fresh new thinking centred on this municipally owned property. Most applauded the concept and praised the municipal leaders for taking the lead, producing a concept plan and starting the discussion. “We need options and ideas,” said Dr. Anne Nancekevill, a physician with the Family Health Team. “I would like to congratulate you on getting the conversation started.”

Dr. Helen Cluett also noted the advantages of a centralized approach.

“It’s a very exciting concept,” said Dr. Cluett. “It dovetails with what is already happening in health care in this community. This setting becomes an ideal place to work to fill the gaps that exist currently. I see this as a way forward.”

Some expressed unease about the role private investors or developers might play a public project. Mertens explained the door is open to any organization— public or private. He said his team’s primary goal was to act as a catalyst to use public assets to improve the lives of County residents.

“There is definitely room for a cooperative, public and private investors working together,” said Mertens. “The municipality is prepared to provide the necessary incentives to encourage affordability and ensure this benefits the community. However, the municipality expects to see an affordability component in return for our contribution. Payback for the municipality doesn’t necessarily mean dollars and cents, but rather providing a service that will benefit our community in the long term.”

Birgit Langwich, representing Hospice Prince Edward, said her organization is also excited with the plan.

“Thank you for thinking outside the box,” said Langwich.