Sault Ste. Marie City Council is expected to contribute $75,000 toward a business case study to see if Sault Ste. Marie could establish a regional campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University (NOSM U).
The issue of increasing primary care services in the community is not a new topic and conversations have been underway for some time. The recent news at GHC has accelerated discussions and the Mayor and City Staff have been involved in a number of conversations with health care organizations, the Physician
Recruitment Committee, physicians, local Member of Provincial Parliament Ross Romano, NOSM U and others on this issue council will be told Monday.
As part of a longer-term solution, staff are recommending that the City lead the development of a business case and proposal to the government of Ontario to establish a new, innovative campus of NOSM U in Sault Ste. Marie. NOSM U has confirmed that they are willing to collaborate on the development of this business case and funding proposal.
The business case and funding proposal will explore the establishment of a regional campus that produces not just doctors but also the broader talent and skills required to meet patient needs with a team-based healthcare approach that utilizes advanced technology to coordinate and deliver best-in-class services
tailored for Northern Ontario, the report to council reads.
Beyond NOSM U, the City will seek participation and support of community stakeholders including Algoma University, Sault College, Algoma Ontario Health Team, Sault Area Hospital, Group Health Centre, Algoma District Medical Group, Algoma West Academy of Medicine, Superior Family Health Team, Algoma Public Health, local First Nations and the Metis community, the business community and more.
It is estimated the cost to complete the business case and funding proposal is $100,000. Sault Area Hospital has agreed to contribute $25,000 towards this initiative as part of their contribution and commitment to Physician Recruitment in the community. Staff recommend a $75,000 contribution from the Community Development Fund to advance the project.
The completion of the business case and funding proposal is an important first step to advance the development of a regional campus in Sault Ste. Marie. The study will review and confirm the vision for the regional campus, consider potential locations, establish the funding required and identify timelines for the project.
