Ross Memorial will ‘continue to operate as a hospital:’ CEO Veronica Nelson

Ross Memorial Hospital has been in the process of updating its special act (‘the bill’), one of the many pieces of legislation that governs our operations. We are all invested in protecting our hospital, and I have heard many questions about how the bill could impact RMH’s future, and hope to provide our community with an update and answers below.

The bill sits before the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and will follow the legislative process of multiple readings and potential reviews by special commissioners and committees.

The bill becomes a law when it reaches royal assent. The hospital is required to follow that law, along with other relevant acts including the Public Hospitals Act and Connecting Care Act.

Will Ross Memorial Hospital continue to operate as a hospital?

Yes. Ross Memorial Hospital will continue to operate as a hospital. We know that our care and services are essential to this community. 

Does the bill give the CEO or board the power to close, merge, or run the hospital as anything other than a hospital?

No. The CEO and Board do not have absolute power in mergers or changes to key services, as the hospital is governed by the Ministry of Health, Public Hospitals Act and several other acts of legislation.

The bill is not linked in any way to a merger with another hospital, closure or transfer of services. 

How is the community involved in hospital decision-making?

We include patients, families and our community in our decision-making.

Many enhancements to our care and service delivery are made as a result of patient feedback.

We are currently undergoing master programming and master planning – an extensive process that provides a roadmap for hospital growth for the next five, 10 and 20 years – and we will be engaging patients, families and our community to ensure that future plans will support the needs of our community.

Our mission is to provide exceptional care – together.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring the right services to the City of Kawartha Lakes and to better support patients and families with the care they need, close to home. Our hospital is here to stay.

If you have any questions or concerns about the bill, please check the Special Act page on our website, where you’ll find the latest updates and historical background.

You can also email me at .