Strategic planning is now a constant for the Board at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital. The dynamic nature of health care has escalated to a point where the fundamental re-thinking of service roles and resources by health care organizations is a given. This is particularly true with the introduction of the new Local Health Integrated Networks in this province.

This current plan was developed in response to the changing environment and in anticipation of regional discussions about health service planning, rationalization and geographic program siting. Therefore, this document provides clarity about the scope of local service within the context of the broader regional system. Going forward, it will provide the basis for capital and operational resource allocation and human resource planning and recruitment

The strategic review process was divided into two phases. These included the development of vision; mission and values (Phase One) and the articulation of the scope or range of clinical and academic services that are to be provided as we go forward (Phase Two).

First and foremost, the Winchester District Memorial is a community hospital serving a population of approximately 90,000 residents in North and South Dundas; North and South Stormont; Russell; Edwardsburg/Cardinal and Osgoode. The hospital provides emergency care and core general specialty services plus a number of itinerant services, predominately, from The Ottawa Hospital.

The population served by the hospital is aging faster than the provincial average and will continue to demand care in response to conditions associated with the middle years (45-64) and senior years (65 plus). The ages associated with childbearing (20 plus) is shrinking, however, total Winchester births within the region represents a critical mass for consideration. The demographics show a significant decline in ages 0-14.

In addition to the population profile, a number of measures were used to predict demand for health services. These included: reproductive health; morbidity and mortality; general health measures and hospital utilization. These measures demonstrated a demand for medical care associated with cardiovascular; cardiopulmonary; metabolic and neurological conditions relating to the aging process. The demand for surgical care also correlate with the aging process e.g.; cancer; diverticulitis; gall bladder disease, etc. Maternal/Child demands for birthing options and neonatal care will continue to make-up the entire picture.