Watson Lake Hospital Management Agreement Signed
For Release ##09-078
March 26, 2009
WHITEHORSE – Health and Social Services Minister Glenn Hart and Yukon Hospital Corporation Chair Craig Tuton announced today the signing of a 13-month management agreement that formalizes the corporation’s participation in the management of the Watson Lake Hospital.
This agreement details the steps necessary for the Yukon Hospital Corporation (YHC) to take in considering the transfer of the hospital from the Government of Yukon to the corporation.
The agreement appoints authority to the corporation to review policies and procedures at the Watson Lake Hospital. It also specifies that hospital staff remain employees of the Yukon government during the period of the management agreement.
“We are taking a measured and professionally informed approach in considering the hospital transfer, and involving physicians, staff and administration, as well as the community of Watson Lake as we proceed,” Tuton said.
“This will allow us to enhance health care in the community of Watson Lake,” Hart said. “As we move toward this goal, we are following a process that will be respectful and open so that employees and community members are well informed at every step.”
The 2008 Yukon Health Care Review recommended that the government ‘examine if the transfer of the Watson Lake Hospital, to the control of the Yukon Hospital Corporation, will improve the alignment of responsibility for acute care service delivery in the Yukon.’ It is in this context that the current management agreement was signed.