Council members here have tempered their initial opposition to the transfer of nine long-term care beds from a Harriston facility to one in Cambridge, but still planned to attend a public meeting on the move on Nov. 25.
Nursing and retirement home operator Caressant Care has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care to transfer nine beds from the company’s facility in Harriston and seven from its Fergus operation to Cambridge Country Manor.
Public meetings on the proposal were held in both Fergus and Harriston.
Several council members expressed concerns about the proposal at a Nov. 4 meeting.
Subsequently, Mayor George Bridge, councillors Ron Faulkner and Mary Lou Colwell and Minto staff members met with Caressant Care representatives.
A staff report at the Nov. 17 council meeting states Caressant Care officials say “the Harriston facility is healthy and strong and the company is committed to Minto.”
Caressant Care plans to move the beds to Cambridge Country Manor in an effort to attain optimum occupancy levels at all their facilities and ensure maximum funding, the report explains.
“I think what it comes down to here is a business decision to maintain the health of the facility here in the context of quite a complicated funding mechanism,” said CAO Bill White.
White added it appears “the loss of direct jobs is small if any,” and the changes may result in better service.
“I went into this meeting 100 per cent against taking away the nine beds … I came out of the meeting still wanting to maintain the nine beds, but understanding why it isn’t feasible,” said Colwell.
Bridge noted the company will no longer receive top-up funds from the Waterloo-Wellington Local Health Integration Network when operating at less than full occupancy.
“It was well explained and as business decision I think you have to stand by that,” Bridge said.
Faulkner, who still felt the town should be represented at the meeting, said, “ I’m not convinced of all the figures.”
Council accepted the staff report and agreed to send a representative to the meeting.
