Grey Bruce Health Services is assessing the merit of consolidating elective day surgeries to the Owen Sound Regional Hospital in an effort to help balance the budget.
A year-long review of the surgical program by staff and physicians concluded the idea would reduce costs significantly.
The plan would avoid the need for imminent capital and equipment investments at other sites, and ensure standardized quality care.
The CEO of GBHS, Lance Thurston, says consolidating surgical procedures would save $500,000 in annual operating costs, and eliminate $3-million in expenditures to replace outdated equipment at multiple sites.
Currently, day surgery is also performed at Markdale, Meaford and Southampton hospitals.
