Health services along James Bay coast to accelerate integration process

Oct. 1 is the projected closing date set by the board of directors of James Bay General Hospital and Weeneebayko Health Ahtuskaywin (WHA) for voluntary integration by all parties to enter into the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA).
WAHA signed a resolution as it prepares itself in assuming the responsibility of merging the federal Weeneebayko General Hospital and the provincial James Bay General Hospital.
Provincial funded health programs such as acute care emergency, dialysis, diabetes, community mental health and physician services will be integrated with federally funded First Nation health programs such as primary care and community health services.
The agreement also seeks to incorporate traditional healing practices into health care.
“The commitment of all parties to proceed with integration quickly will mean better health services for the people. I am very thankful for everyone’s hard work,” said Leo Loone, WAHA board chairman.
Some of the commitments of the integration by the WAHA board of directors and management include:
• $6-million over the next two years to enhance and create new programs addressing the priority issues of diabetes, mental health, suicide prevention, youth at risk, cancer screening and others; and
• $12-million from Health Canada for primary care, family physician services, hospital operations during transition, enhanced community health contributions and capital costs.
Other benefits of the integration include improving the quality, accessibility, delivery, effectiveness, and efficiency of culturally appropriate health care programs and services, according to WAHA.
The Weeneebayko Area Health Integration Framework Agreement was signed in 2007 by Peawanuck, Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Moosonee, MoCreebec, the Town of Moosonee, and provincial and federal health ministries.
Although Moose Cree First Nation was not a signatory to the agreement, its members will continue to receive full health care.