February 17, 1999

To:Board of Health

From:Dr. Sheela V. Basrur, Medical Officer of Health

Subject:Public Health Strategic and Program Planning 1999

Purpose:

This report outlines a proposed process for strategic and program planning for public health services in the new City of Toronto.

Source of Funds:

Not applicable.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Board of Health approve the planning process as set out in this report.

Background:

On May 2, 1998 the Board of Health requested the Chair, together with appropriate staff, to plan for a strategic planning session and report back to the Board as soon as possible on proposals and expected accomplishments of this session.

Comments:

The past year has been one of considerable change and upheaval for both the Division and the Board of Health due to amalgamation, downloading of services, restructuring and budget constraints. Now that many key aspects of the Divisional and Board of Health organization are in place, including the appointment of the management team of the Division and new community members to the Board, it is timely to begin the planning which will guide us over the next few years.

The Division and Board's planning will be occurring within the context of other significant initiatives now happening throughout the Corporation; namely, Council's strategic planning; the new Official Plan, an Economic Development Strategy for the city, a social development policy, an environmental strategy, among others. The public health plan will be integrated with these efforts and be part of the overall city-building that will carry Toronto into the new millennium.

(A)Process and Outcomes

Given the leadership role of the Board of Health in setting policy directions for public health services, it is important that the Board play a key role in the planning for the amalgamated Division. I am proposing that there be two strategic planning sessions involving the Board in the early spring and before the end of June to set the overall course for public health services. During the summer Divisional staff will undertake program planning which will integrate the strategic principles and directions into service delivery. The outcome of the process in the Fall will be business plans for identified programs and budget proposals for the year 2000 which will be sent to the Board for approval.

Appendix A sets out the details of the process, including the outputs at each stage.

(B)Method

Based on past experience, I recognize the need to be both efficient and inclusive in carrying out the planning exercise. However, unlike previous planning efforts, this one will also be guiding the Board and Division through a major change process out of which will come a new culture and new ways of working. The method that we feel will best help us accomplish this task is called Real Time Strategic Change. It is characterized by: simultaneous planning and implementation of organizational, group and individual change; large, multi-perspective groups and small work teams; and grounding in an organization's current work context (rather than abstract planning sessions). John Douey of Human Resources, Management Services program is working with Public Health staff to implement planning. A Division-wide steering group is being struck. Much of the planning will happen through service and activity-specific teams, with multiple inputs from staff and community-based stakeholders.

The breadth of involvement including staff, stakeholders from the community and other agencies is critical to the success of the planning, as is the strong role of the Board of Health.

Conclusions:

This report has set out the proposed planning process for the Public Health Division and the Board of Health which will help ensure sound delivery of public health services throughout the new City. Also, since this planning process will be co-ordinated with other Council-directed planning happening throughout the Corporation, it is hoped that the ultimate outcome will be a collective vision which will support the goal of health for all in the city.

Contact Names:

Connie Clement, Director

Public Health Planning & Policy

Tel:392-7463

Fax:392-0713

Pat Thomas

Amalgamation Leader

Tel: 392-7401

Fax:392-0713

Diana Baxter

Health Planner

Tel:392-7450

Fax:392-7418

Dr. Sheela V. Basrur

Medical Officer of Health

APPENDIX A

Planning Events and Schedule