Lakeridge Health outlines future growth and mental health expansion at Scugog committee meeting

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Growing healthcare demands, across Durham Region; emergency department pressures; and major investments in mental health and hospital redevelopment were front and centre during a presentation to council members in Scugog, earlier this week.

During the Township of Scugog’s General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting, on Monday, May 4th, Cynthia Davis, president and CEO of Lakeridge Health, and Chris Squire, health system executive and chief of finance, provided councillors with the organization’s annual update on healthcare services and future priorities across the region.

The presentation highlighted: increasing patient volumes; efforts to improve emergency department efficiency; expanded mental health supports; and long-term planning tied to Durham Region’s continued population growth.

“We’re much more than a hospital,” Ms. Davis told committee members. “We are a connected health system, serving communities across Durham Region, and our focus continues to be improving access to care closer to home.”

Emergency department efficiency remains a key priority, with efforts underway to improve patient flow, reduce wait times, and create a better overall patient experience.

“We know people are concerned about wait times and access,” said Mr. Squire. “A tremendous amount of work is happening behind the scenes, to improve flow through our emergency departments while ensuring patients receive safe, high-quality care.”

The delegation also pointed to advancements in surgical care delivery and efforts to increase access to primary care services, throughout Durham Region.

One of the largest future projects discussed was the planned redevelopment of Bowmanville Hospital, with a rendering of the future facility, shared during the presentation.

Mental health and addictions services were another major focus of the update. Lakeridge Health reported more than 116,000 mental health visits, during the 2024-25 period, across more than 30 sites in Durham Region.

Council members also heard about the organization’s partnership with Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), including the opening of a new Bridging Clinic on April 1st. In addition, Lakeridge Health is pursuing a dedicated 24/7 Mental Health and Addictions Emergency Department, with a proposed $29.7 million investment currently under review, by the provincial ministry, after receiving endorsement from Ontario Health East.

“Mental health care continues to be one of the greatest needs in our communities,” Ms. Davis said. “We’re working to build services [which] are more accessible, more responsive, and integrated into the broader healthcare system.”

The presentation also highlighted a specialized pediatric care partnership, announced in the spring of 2025, with Grandview Kids, aimed at helping families access more care locally rather than travelling outside the region.

Lakeridge Health representatives also previewed the organization’s upcoming strategic plan, developed through consultations with residents, healthcare partners, and community stakeholders across Durham Region.

“What we heard, clearly from residents, was the importance of a more connected healthcare system,” Ms. Davis said. “People want seamless care and better coordination, and that feedback is directly shaping our new strategic plan.”

Committee members were also introduced to the new Women’s Health Collective, a community engagement initiative launching this month. The program is designed to connect women across Durham Region with: healthcare professionals, trusted information, and opportunities to provide feedback on healthcare needs and priorities.

Ms. Davis encouraged the township to help promote the initiative locally.

“Participation, from communities like Scugog, is incredibly important,” she said. “It helps ensure women and families in growing communities have a voice in shaping future healthcare services.”

Several councillors thanked the delegation for the update and acknowledged the growing healthcare pressures facing Durham Region, as populations continue to rise.