This is the Recommendation from the Report that was approved at County Council on March 16, 2025.

Recommendation

Be It Resolved That County Council receives the Healthcare in our Community Report and Presentation provided by 8020 Info Inc,

And That the Council of the Corporation of the County of Frontenac approve the proposed recommendations outlined in the Healthcare in our Community report and presentation, attached to this report as Appendix A,

And That staff develop an Implementation Plan outlining actions, schedule, and costs associated with the recommendations outlined in the report,

And Further That the Implementation Plan be presented to County Council prior to 2026 budget deliberations.

Healthcare in our community is a significant economic source of local employment and supports other local businesses, including pharmacies and physiotherapy services. Access to primary care is crucial for communities to remain healthy and vibrant.

In April, a report was presented recommending an operational review of the clinics in Frontenac County to aid efforts in recruiting and retaining physicians and other primary healthcare professionals.

Background Information
In 2023, 2024 and 2025, Frontenac County Council allocated $22,000 each year to support physician recruitment in Frontenac County.

In January 2024, the Economic Development team began gathering information to understand the healthcare recruitment strategies employed by other organizations and municipalities across the province. A report was submitted to the Planning and Economic Development Committee, recommending an operational review of the clinics in Frontenac County. This recommendation was based on the increased awareness of the administrative burden on clinics and primary care physicians.

The operational review aims to have a narrow scope, laying the foundation for potential long-term sustainable solutions to support primary healthcare and local physicians in Frontenac County. Healthcare in the province is complex, with a diverse range of programs, funding, and other opportunities that may provide future support in the region.

The operational review will examine primary healthcare in our community from a sustainable, county-wide perspective, considering the long-term impacts associated with the operational responsibilities that local physicians have for their clinics, contributing to the burnout of primary healthcare professionals. The review includes exploring potential collaborations in areas such as property maintenance, human resources, procurement, and clinic structure, with recommendations for short, medium, and long-term plans.

Following the operational review, a report and presentation will be submitted to the Planning and Economic Development Committee, outlining a plan with potential opportunities to support the long-term sustainability of medical clinics in Frontenac County.