The merger, which came into effect on Oct. 1, was decided last June and officially ratified at a public meeting at CHSLD headquarters downtown on Sept. 29.
“Board members are very mindful of the rich heritage of our homes, so deciding to relinquish our independent status was a tough call,” said CHSLD board president Fergus V. Keyes.
“However, all things considered, it is clear that merging with a larger, stronger organization like CSSS Cavendish — which shares our vision as well as our unrelenting commitment to the English-speaking community — is the best way to carry on the legacy built by generations of dedicated employees, volunteers and benefactors.”
The decision to integrate the three long-term care homes into CSSS Cavendish was reached after an extensive study carried out by independent consultants commissioned by the CHSLD board’s strategic planning committee. It was deemed the “best path forward” if the CHSLD was to maintain its fundamental mission to “serve those who wish to receive their services in the English language.”
The merge is expected to have minimal impact on the services provided by the St. Margaret’s home and Day Centre, which has been a fixture on Hillside Avenue for many years.
At the Sept. 29 meeting, several old photos and other memorabilia were on display to show the long history of the three homes. Father Dowd dates back to1865, while St. Margaret’s opened in 1882 and St. Andrew’s in 1961.
CSSS Cavendish, a major English-language health-care network in Montreal’s West End, sees the addition of the three long-term care facilities as a win-win situation for all concerned.
“We welcomed the overture from the CHSLD Saint Andrew’s, Father Dowd and Saint Margaret’s,” said Alan Maislin, president of the CSSS Cavendish board of directors. “The proposed combination will enable us to expand and enhance the vital long-term care aspect of our CSSS mission, while ensuring a continuation of quality care for the residents and clients involved and providing enhanced career opportunities for the employees who are about to become part of our establishment.”
