The supervisor to the Niagara Health Sysstem says he's encouraged by the feedback he's been getting on his plan to revamp local healthcare.

In a blog entry posted on the NHS web site Tuesday, Dr Kevin Smith says he's received more than 100 emails about the proposal that has been read more than 5000 times since it was made public earlier this month.

The key recommendation in Dr Smith's report is building a new hospital & urgent care centre to serve south Niagara.  That would mean closing existing sites in Niagara Falls, Welland, Fort Erie & Port Colborne.

Dr Smith writes that while most of the feedback he's received has been positive, there does seem to be some anxiety about centralizing some healthcare services.  He says the concerns he's hearing were considered in coming up with the plan that would give the best patient experience & outcomes, access & affordability.

Dr Smith says he's "increasingly encouraged" the mayors of south Niagara will come up with a recommended spot to put a potential new hospital & urgent care centre.  After 2 meeting facilitated by the Regional Chair, the group hasn't zeroed in on any specific locations yet.  The group plans to meet again sometime this week.

The NHS supervisor will keep looking for feedback on his plan as he readies his final series of recommendations for the Health Minister in June.  In a few weeks, a polling firm will dial Niagara homes to find out what they think.  You can share your thoughts directly with Dr Smith by e-mailing him at nhssupervisor@gmail.com

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