Hospitals in Grey Bruce are making changes in the way some services are delivered.
The realignment includes turning Grey Bruce Health Services in Owen Sound into the primary centre in the district for treating stroke victims.
Hospital CEO Lance Thurston says patients with stroke-like symptoms will be transported directly to the Owen Sound hospital.
"What this new protocol will mean is that the ambulances are not stopping at the Markdales, the Meafords and the Southamptons, they're going directly to Owen Sound because time is critical," says Thurston.
The Owen Sound hospital is re-allocating beds and space for treating stroke victims.
Another change will see patients that need in-hospital continuing complex care treated at the hospital in Wiarton.
"These are quite sick people and they're there for extended periods of time until they get stabilized and then the intent is they would be moved to another facility whether it's long term care or whether it's a rehab facility, perhaps even home with support services provided," says Thurston.
The changes, organized in cooperation with the Southwest LHIN, were announced Tuesday at Grey County Council.
