ALLISTON, ON. – The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Mark Rochon, announced today new measures for information sharing and engagement with the communities served by the hospital and a new corporate membership structure. 

"This new model is a 21^st century design that balances the needs of engaging the community with the Board's obligations under the Local Health System Integration Act  and the need for a Board comprised of directors with the requisite skills required to manage a complicated organization," said Mr. Rochon. "Delivering the highest possible standard of health care in a public hospital requires the constant juggling of scarce resources."

The new system provides for the following three objectives:

• Mechanisms for the Board and Executives to engage the public and to keep the community informed about current activities, challenges and future directions of the Hospital on an ongoing basis.
• A corporate membership structure that will ensure stability of the Board of Directors;
• A transparent and consistent process for Board recruitment and selection

The new model of membership will create two types of members: Voting members and Advisory Members (non-voting).

The voting members will be the current Board of Directors (17 people) and they will elect Directors, approve by-law amendments, appoint the auditor and request special meetings of the membership.

Advisory members will receive notices and financial statements, have the right to attend the annual meeting, nominate individuals for consideration as members of  the Board and members of Committees and serve as an advisory group to provide advice (at a minimum semi-annually) to the SMH Board and CEO. On the request of not less than 10% of the Advisory Members, they may request the Board Chair to hold a special meeting of members.  Two advisory members along with a municipal representative will be members of the Board's nomination process.

"We need a process that guarantees community engagement and the two-way exchange of opinions and information, but is balanced against the needs of operating a public hospital and ensuring that single interest groups are not allowed to takeover the facility," stated Mr. Rochon. "We also need a governance structure that will attract the best possible Directors from the community." 

The Board will be required to advertise for directors when vacancies occur by inviting members of the public to declare their interest in becoming a director. The Board will review how this overall structure of governance has worked to promote community engagement at Stevenson Memorial in 5 years time. 

"After carefully reviewing options for governance in collaboration with the Supervisor, we believe this new model is the best option for Stevenson Memorial Hospital," said SMH Board-designate Chair Ted Vandevis. "Our Board includes a strong mix of people from the hospital's service community and we will be very diligent in seeking regular input and advice to help guide our decisions," he added.

It is also proposed that the Board Chair and CEO make an annual presentation on progress in achieving the strategic plan of the Hospital and related priorities and challenges to the Municipal Councils of Bradford West Gwillimbury, New Tecumseth, Essa, Innisfil, Adjala-Tosorontio, Mono and Mulmur.

Other transparency measures will include the continuation of open Board meetings, posting Board meeting minutes on the hospital website, periodic town hall meetings and an annual report to members.

Stevenson Memorial Hospital is a fully accredited facility located in the community of Alliston, Ontario, within the Town of New Tecumseth. The Hospital offers a wide scope of medical and surgical services to a catchment area including Adjala-Tosorontio, Canadian Forces Base Borden, Essa, Innisfil and New Tecumseth.