Weeneebayko Area Health Authority launched

In 2009, when chiefs from James Bay coastal First Nations suspended involvement to integrate health services in the area, it looked like it would not happen.
Peawanuck, Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Moosonee, MoCreebec, the Town of Moosonee, and provincial and federal health ministries signed a framework agreement in 2007 to establish an integrated health care system.
Two years later, Kashechewan, Attawapiskat and Fort Albany suspended involvement in the integration process because little progress had been made.
But by the fall of 2010, the federal Weeneebayko General Hospital in Moose Factory was integrated with the provincial James Bay General Hospital in Moosonee.
The integration saw the formation of the Weeneebayko Area Heath Authority (WAHA). It means that health services provided by two separate hospitals now comes under one administration.
Lawrence Martin, director of communications and community relations for WAHA, said patients and users could expect more efficient and culturally appropriate health care services.
He said a community-based regional board would govern WAHA.
With files from James Thom and Debbie Mishibinijima