Northumberland Hills Hospital welcomed several prominent provincial health leaders yesterday as discussions continued around strengthening health care services across Northumberland County.
Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones visited the Cobourg hospital alongside Dr. Jane Philpott, chair of Ontario’s Primary Care Action Team, and Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini.
The visit included a tour of the hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging and Surgical Services departments, giving guests an opportunity to see several recent investments in local health care infrastructure.
Hospital staff showcased the facility’s new MRI and SPECT CT scanner, as well as mammography and ultrasound services that support patient care closer to home.
Beyond the tour, the visit focused on a roundtable discussion involving local primary care physicians and partners from the Ontario Health Team of Northumberland.
The Ontario Health Team brings together hospitals, primary care providers, public health, community agencies and social service organizations with the goal of improving coordination and access to care throughout the region.
Hospital officials said the discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration as Northumberland’s population continues to grow and health care demands increase.
The visit also provided an opportunity to demonstrate how partnerships between hospitals, physicians, public health and community organizations are working to strengthen services across the county.
Northumberland Hills Hospital officials thanked provincial representatives for the visit and ongoing support, noting that continued collaboration will be important as local health care providers work to meet the evolving needs of residents.
The hospital serves communities across Northumberland and continues to expand diagnostic and treatment services to reduce the need for patients to travel outside the region for care.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
