Report No. 025-12

TO: Chair and Members of the Board of Health
FROM: Graham L. Pollett, MD, FRCPC, Medical Officer of Health
DATE: 2012 February 16

Board of Health Strategic Plan: Moving Forward on the Vision and Strategic Directions

Recommendation

It is recommended that Report No. 025-12 re Board of Health Strategic Plan: Moving Forward on the Vision and Strategic Directions be received for information.

Background 

At the November 17, 2011, Board of Health meeting, Board members received the outcomes to be achieved over the next 36 months for each of the Three Year Strategic Directions (i.e., Improved Health Outcomes, Organizational Health and Vitality, and Infrastructure). This included identifying the group of Health Unit staff members that will take the lead in addressing the outcomes.

Operationalizing the Vision and Directions 

Since the November 17, 2011, Board of Health meeting, the Senior Management Team has been actively advancing the Strategic Directions. Specifically, this has included:

1.   Strategic Achievement Groups (SAGs) – Six SAGs have been developed including membership and terms of references (Appendix A). The SAGs will meet monthly to identify what activities already exist related to their assigned Strategic Direction, plan and implement other activities needed to achieve this Direction over the next three years, as well as report progress on a quarterly basis to the Senior Management Team and report on their performance annually to the Board of Health.

2.   Planning Meetings – Health Unit management staff met on January 17, 2012 to learn about and discuss each Services Area’s major planned initiatives under the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS). Compliance with the Standards is a part of the Board of Health’s Improved Health Outcomes Strategic Direction as well as the Public Health Accountability Agreement. The focus of the day was placed on identifying opportunities for collaboration and integration. Health Unit management will meet again on February 28, 2012, to prioritize the OPHS items for 2012.

3.   Strategic Plan Document Update – The new Vision and Strategic Directions have been incorporated into the revised Strategic Plan Document (Appendix B).

4.   Internal and External Communication – The Senior Management Team has been championing and promoting the new Vision and Strategic Directions with their staff. This includes an intranet site for the Vision and SAGs, where staff can identify the purpose and membership of each group. The website and social media will be used to promote the Vision and Strategic Directions to the public, partners and stakeholders. External communication with also include an invitation and directions on how interested parties can get involved and support the work of the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

The Strategic Achievement Groups are actively planning and leading efforts to achieve their objectives. The Board of Health will continue to receive regular updates from the SAGs, as well as an annual report on their performance in the final quarter of 2012.

This report was prepared by Mr. Ross Graham, Manager, Special Projects.

Graham L. Pollett, MD, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health

This report addresses Strategic Planning at the Middlesex-London Health Unit.