Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
STRATHROY – Middlesex County councillors have approved a plan to undertake a comprehensive review and master plan for Strathmere Lodge, the county-owned long-term care home in Strathroy. The initiative, discussed at the September 9 council meeting, will be the first external operational and strategic review of the facility in more than two decades. Administrators say the move is intended to ensure the lodge remains positioned to meet the needs of residents and families in a changing long-term care landscape.
“Strathmere Lodge has been serving the community for decades,” said Administrator Brent Kerwin. “Satisfaction with lodge care and services is consistently high among residents and families, and we have positive outcomes when the Ministry of Long-Term Care inspectors are at the lodge assessing compliance with our provincial legislation. While the lodge prepares an Annual Quality Improvement Plan and has very prescriptive provincial legislation for us to focus on, the lodge does not have a formal, comprehensive master plan… now would be an ideal time to remedy this.” Kerwin noted that the proposed third-party review will include a process to involve frontline staff and residents’ families in planning.
County CAO Paul Shipway told councillors the process would not only assess the facility but also help align the county’s long-term care services with broader strategic goals. “It is really about continuous improvement and strategic alignment, to have that sort of sector landscape approach, and also look at some of our internal processes, how we can empower our staff to deliver that excellent care,” he said. “With that comprehensive review and master plan, we will either validate what we are doing, we will identify areas for improvement and innovation, and we will strengthen that sustainability long term.” Shipway confirmed the cost of the project would be covered within existing operational budgets and that the county would follow a competitive procurement process.
Councillor Mike McGuire, who has a family member at Strathmere Lodge, declared a conflict of interest before discussion continued.
Councillor Allan Mayhew sought clarification on whether the review was required by the province.
“This is driven by the county. It is not a provincial requirement,” Mayhew said. “I am surprised it’s not because… we have many analyses done by third parties to continue our efforts in seeking funds. But it’s county driven, is it?” “Yes, that is correct. Completely county driven,” Shipway responded.
Following discussion, councillors voted unanimously in favour of proceeding with the review and master plan, which will return to council once a consultant is selected through the request for proposals process.
