Help on the way for Sault Area Hospital

NEWS RELEASE

NORTH EAST LOCAL HEALTH INTEGRATION NETWORK

************************* North East LHIN and Ontario appoint peer reviewer for Sault Area Hospital

Rik Ganderton will assist with implementation of hospital improvement plan

(December 7, 2010) - The North East Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have appointed a peer reviewer for Sault Area Hospital to ensure that the hospital reaches a sustainable financial position and transitions seamlessly to the new facility [photo].

The peer review will support the hospital’s efforts to implement its recently released hospital improvement plan.

The success of this implementation is key to the LHIN’s efforts to reduce its alternate level of care days and ensure appropriate care in the appropriate setting for its residents.

Rik Ganderton, president and CEO at the Rouge Valley Health System, will conduct the peer review.

Ganderton will start his work shortly and is expected to complete his review by the end of January.

He will report to the North East LHIN and the ministry. “The North East LHIN is confident that the work of the peer reviewer will assist the hospital in their ongoing efforts to balance their budget. A healthy financial outlook will help the hospital move into their new facility and focus on providing high quality care to the people of Sault Ste. Marie and Area,” said Louise Paquette, CEO, North East LHIN.

“We will continue to work closely with the NE LHIN to ensure the financial stability of our hospital. The expertise of Mr. Ganderton will be most helpful in this regard and we look forward to fully cooperating with him," noted Ron Gagnon, CEO, Sault Area Hospital.

Quick facts

Construction of the new Sault Area Hospital project began in August 2007.

The new SAH will open its doors to patients in March 2011.

Learn more

Visit Sault Area Hospital online.

*************************