Northumberland Hills Hospital is continuing to expand services and invest in patient care, and say they expect to report a balanced budget in June for the latest fiscal and possibly even a modest surplus thanks to in-year pressure funding by the province and the hospital’s own efficiencies.
During a recent interview, CEO Susan Walsh confirmed ongoing financial pressures are being seen across Ontario’s hospital sector and NHH is also experiencing rising costs, increased demand, and system wide pressures.
Despite them, leadership has indicated that reducing services is not being considered and the budget they are proposing for 2026-27, while is still being worked on in anticipation of provincial funding numbers, does consider a deficit. NHH say the focus remains on maintaining access to care for residents across Northumberland County.
A senior leadership report to the board outlines a number of recent advancements, including the completion of major diagnostic imaging upgrades. New MRI and SPECT-CT equipment has been installed, replacing aging systems and improving access to advanced diagnostic services locally.
The hospital has also launched a new stroke recovery clinic, providing outpatient rehabilitation services several days a week, and introduced new tools in its surgical areas to improve communication with patients and caregivers.
At the same time, Northumberland Hills Hospital continues work on its long term master planning process, engaging with community partners to plan for future service needs and population growth.
With the hospital maintaining current service levels, attention now turns to potential provincial support, which leadership has indicated will be critical in helping keep the books balanced moving forward.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
