The Renfrew County and District Board of Health has rejected a merger with the County of Renfrew, saying the two bodies are not a good fit.
In a letter to Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon, Joanne King, chair of the board of health, says a merger between the Renfrew County and District Health Unit and county administration would not be “feasible in the current context.”
King says the health unit’s finance, human resources and technology resources are “highly specialized, focusing on delivering the unique public health information needs and staff supports.”
“While a merger with another public health unit may have provided enhanced synergies, the same could not be the outcome from a merger with the County of Renfrew.
“Given public health’s distinct software and technology requirements, financial and reporting contexts, and other unique factors, which are firmly established, this would require new systems to be developed,” King said.
“Additionally a merger with a municipal entity would not strengthen (disease prevention), public health communications, or health promotion support.”
King was responding to a proposal from the county for the “co-creation of a shared direction” between the county and the health unit…
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