Two of Windsor-Essex's healthcare systems have formed an administrative alliance to enhance local care.
Representatives from Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) and Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC) announced on Tuesday morning that the two hospitals will create a joint management plan while maintaining separate boards of directors and hospital operations.
Under the plan, WRH CEO Kristin Kennedy will also serve in the same role at ESHC, which is a return to the job she held before being named the CEO at WRH.
Also, ESHC Interim CEO Katelyn Dryden will serve as the Chief Financial Officer for both hospitals.
Those joint roles will take effect on September 1.
Kennedy told reporters on Tuesday that this will bring the level of patient care at both hospitals to the next level.
"Having worked closely with both organizations, I've seen firsthand the commitment, expertise, and compassion that exists within our teams," said Kennedy. "I know the strength of the people who serve our patients every day."
Beginning August 4, the two groups will increase shared leadership in areas of patient experience, risk, privacy, and human resources.
Kennedy said once that is in place, patients and their care teams will have a streamlined approach to addressing issues that come up.
"If there are any challenges that they encounter at both organizations, there is an avenue in which they can raise concerns. They can be investigated, and we can circle back to patients and their families," said Kennedy.
The new joint management plan is expected to save the hospitals $2-million a year.
Dryden said that no administrative layoffs are anticipated under this new model, with savings achieved through natural attrition, not filling vacancies, portfolio alignment, and ending any duplicate costs. She also reiterated that the hospitals will continue to be held accountable to their existing boards and that they will maintain separate financial operations.
