PLANNING THE FUTURE OF  HEALTHCARE IN OUR COMMUNITIES

PLANNING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE IN OUR COMMUNITIES

August 17, 2026

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The Board of Directors of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) would like to provide an update on ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable, high-quality healthcare services for the communities we serve.

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North Shore Health Network is a single healthcare organization comprised of three sites located in Blind River, Thessalon and Richards Landing. To support informed decision-making about healthcare services across NSHN, the Board initiated a review several months ago of the infrastructure needs at all three sites. This work is examining facility requirements at each location and will help inform future planning and capital investment priorities across the organization.

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As part of this broader review, a key issue that has been under discussion for several years is the long-term delivery of emergency department services in Central Algoma. The facilities in Thessalon and Richards Landing face infrastructure and service limitations required to support a modern emergency department. Recognizing these challenges, local physicians approached NSHN to explore the possibility of developing a single-site hospital for the Central Algoma area that could provide fully equipped emergency services and a limited number of short-stay acute care beds.

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On July 15, 2026, area physicians hosted a public meeting at Central Algoma Secondary School to discuss this concept. The meeting was well attended, and participants expressed strong support for exploring options that would strengthen healthcare services and better meet the needs of residents currently served by the Thessalon and Richards Landing – Matthews sites.

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The Board believes this concept warrants further study and has endorsed the initiation of the formal planning process. As the governing body of NSHN, the Board is responsible for leading and overseeing this work on behalf of the entire organization and the communities it serves. Hospital redevelopment is a complex, multi-stage undertaking that requires extensive analysis, stakeholder engagement, and rigorous planning. The Ministry of Health oversees this process and must approve each stage before a project can proceed. While beginning the planning process does not guarantee approval or construction of a new facility, it is an important first step in evaluating future healthcare needs and determining the best path forward.

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Throughout this process, the Board is committed to ensuring meaningful engagement with residents, patients, staff, providers, Indigenous communities, municipal leaders, and community partners. Given the significance of this work, input from communities across the NSHN catchment area will be critical to informing future decisions and ensuring local perspectives help shape the path forward.

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Should a single-site hospital in Central Algoma emerge as the preferred option for residents currently served by the Thessalon and Richards Landing-Matthews sites, NSHN will work with local communities, healthcare partners, and government stakeholders to advocate for and explore opportunities that support continued access to healthcare services in those communities.

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NSHN is committed to keeping communities informed throughout both the organization-wide infrastructure review and the Central Algoma planning process. A dedicated webpage has been established at www.nshn.care/future, where residents can access updates, background information, and details regarding future engagement opportunities.

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The Board values the leadership shown by Dr. Crawford and his colleagues in bringing this issue forward and thanks the many residents and community partners who have contributed to the discussion. We look forward to continuing this work together as we plan for the future of healthcare at North Shore Health Network.

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Sincerely,

 

Lisa Bell-Murray
Chair, Board of Directors
North Shore Health Network

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Community Update – The Future of Healthcare in Central Algoma

August 17, 2026

Message from the Physicians of Central Algoma

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Following the well-attended public meeting held on July 15, 2026, we would like to thank everyone who attended, shared their perspectives, and expressed their support for strengthening healthcare services throughout the Central Algoma region.

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Since the meeting, several productive discussions have taken place amongst an ad hoc working group that has been established to help develop meaningful public involvement in this important initiative. These early meetings have focused on identifying opportunities for community engagement and laying the groundwork for the next stages of the project.

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We are pleased that the Board of the North Shore Health Network has formally acknowledged the need to explore future healthcare options for the region and has expressed its support for undertaking the planning and analysis required to evaluate those opportunities. As this work moves into its next phase, the North Shore Health Network will assume leadership of the initiative and will be responsible for guiding the planning process, engaging with government and community stakeholders, and determining the most appropriate path forward.

Involvement of the public remains important to achieving success. Over the coming months, we will be seeking additional opportunities to engage the public through meetings, updates, and consultations.

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This project represents an important opportunity to shape the future of healthcare in Central Algoma. Success will depend on collaboration between healthcare providers, hospital leadership, municipal representatives, governments, and the communities we serve.

We remain encouraged by the positive response received from the community and look forward to working together to develop a strong, sustainable vision for healthcare that will serve Central Algoma for many years to come.

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Thank you for your continued interest and support.

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The Physicians of Central Algoma