Health and Wellness: Health & Health Services
The provision of public health services remains a high priority for watershed residents. The shortage of general practitioners and the availability of community health care services are areas of concern.
In the Severn Sound watershed:
- Health promotion and disease prevention programs are under the jurisdiction of the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit. The Health Unit has a Strategic Plan with a Vision for 2026 that includes “[sustaining] a healthy environment through public policy and actions to ensure clean air, land and water.” SMDHU’s current focus is on reducing obesity rates.
- Simcoe Muskoka Health Sector Emergency Planning Committee (SMHSEPC) prepares planned and coordinated responses to health related emergencies. It advises and assists in the development of health sector plans and also facilitates coordination between health care organizations and other agencies.
- Workplace Health & Safety is addressed mainly at the Simcoe County and District levels through the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, which has created a six step model to help workplaces implement a balanced workplace health program.
- Simcoe County Workplace Wellness Network links and provides resources to Simcoe and Muskoka workplaces that share a common vision for the improvement of employee health.
- Hospital facilities include Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (Orillia) and Georgian Bay General Hospital (locations in Midland and Penetanguishene)
- Communities are experiencing a shortage of doctors and skilled workers in almost every aspect of the healthcare industry. Another key concern is the shortage of personal care workers for seniors and nursing homes due to the increased pressure of the aging population. Continued population growth is creating intense pressure on health care providers and services.