Medical Officer of Health Updates
Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough (HKNP) Health Unit provided an update on the continuation of work related to the merger and that feedback received from the Board of Health retreat was helpful to inform future reporting.
Dr. Natalie Bocking provided an update on measles as the outbreak in Ontario continues. On a weekly basis there are 150-200 cases and that 94 per cent of these cases have not been vaccinated.
There have been 119 hospital cases with many cases continuing to be in southwestern Ontario more so than other health units. Currently, there are no cases within the geographical boundaries served but there is potential for a case to occur.
The Health Unit continues to prepare for when a case may arise. Communication efforts have been enhanced across both legacy websites and social media channels, and direct contact has been made with recreational camps to ensure operators are aware of how to protect campers and staff.
Vaccination continues to be the most important way to protect against measles.
Report: Policy Approvals
The Board of Health reviewed and approved two new policies including the Board Leadership and Committee Membership Selection and the Health and Safety policy.
Report: Formation of Governance Working Group
At the recent Board of Health retreat, members and staff explored the development of a skills matrix to identify areas of need and potential gaps within the current Board membership. A self-report survey will be issued to all Board of Health members to explore existing and future needs of provincial appointees. A working group will report back on the skills matrix and next steps to the Board of Health.
Report: Indigenous Health Advisory Circle
Interim guidance on Land Acknowledgments was presented with three considerations including authenticity, land and place and personal reflection to demonstrate continuous growth to build meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. The Circle will be developing additional Indigenous protocols for the Board and the organization to help guide its work in a good and meaningful way with Indigenous Peoples in the HKNP catchment area.
Author: Pete Fisher
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