The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough (HKNP) Board of Health met last Wednesday and received updates on measles, regional preparedness, and board governance.
Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for the HKNP Health Unit, said work continues on the health unit’s merger and that feedback from a recent board retreat was valuable for shaping future reports.
Dr. Natalie Bocking also updated the board on Ontario’s ongoing measles outbreak. She reported that 94 per cent of recent cases are in unvaccinated individuals, with 119 people hospitalised so far. While no cases have been confirmed in the HKNP region, Bocking said the health unit is preparing in case that changes. Enhanced communications have been launched through the health unit’s websites, social media, and direct outreach to camp operators. Vaccination remains the most effective protection, Bocking said.
Two new board policies were approved, including updated guidelines on leadership and committee membership selection, and a revised health and safety policy.
Following discussions at the board retreat, a governance working group is forming to explore a skills matrix and address current and future needs of provincial appointees. Members will complete a self-assessment to help guide next steps.
The Indigenous Health Advisory Circle also presented interim guidance on land acknowledgments, with a focus on authenticity, local context, and personal reflection. The Circle is developing additional protocols to guide relationships with Indigenous communities in the region.
The next Board of Health meeting will take place June 18 at 5 p.m. in Peterborough.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
