News Release                   For Immediate Release

March 25, 2004

Public Health Office Closing - Southampton

Business Will Continue as Usual

SOUTHAMPTON – The Board of Health is relocating the staff of the Public Health office in Southampton to its head office in Owen Sound.  As of April 8, 2004, the office will be closed to the public.  All services to the surrounding communities will continue to be delivered, without interruption. 

• Community immunization clinics will now be held every second Wednesday of the month at The Plex (Saugeen Shores Community Complex) on Highway 21 in Port Elgin.  For appointments, please call the Owen Sound office at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.
• Publicly funded vaccines will continue to be available to doctors in the area. 
• Well water testing bottles can be picked up and dropped off at the Southampton hospital (Grey Bruce Health Services – Southampton Site).

According to Director of Finance and Administration Joan Tod,  “Services to the public won’t be affected by the move.  Our people currently spend most of their time in the community, not the office.  We will continue to travel to the consumer.” 

Public Health provides services to area residents, professionals and businesses throughout Grey and Bruce Counties.  Some of these services include:

• Home visits by public health nurses and parent support workers
• Inspections and consultations by public health inspectors
• Group presentations and educational opportunities, as scheduled or upon request
• Strategies to promote healthy communities

To access Public Health information and services, call 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Joan Tod

Director of Finance & Administration

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420