External review of LHSC shows hospital challenged by ‘self imposed’ problems

London’s largest employer, the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), is facing tough decisions as it grapples with the fallout of years of instability, bloated management, and a growing need for medical care. A recent review of the organization’s structure by an outside healthcare consultant, BIG Healthcare, at the request of provincially-appointed supervisor David Musyj, has shed light on the challenges the hospital is facing.

The review paints a bleak picture of LHSC, highlighting its lagging use of technology, a $150 million operating deficit, and a history of scandal and leadership turnover. The hospital has seen six different CEOs, six different CFOs, and 41 different executives in the last decade, leading to constant changes in structures, spending, and priorities.

The report also points out that LHSC is struggling to keep up with the demand for services in the region. The hospital is operating at full capacity with no room to grow or expand, despite facing overwhelming demand for care in the future. The hospital’s staffing has grown disproportionately to its service offerings, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Efforts are underway to address these challenges, including a management restructuring that has seen the elimination of 74 management positions and the reassignment of 71 leaders, resulting in a $14 million savings. The hospital is also working to improve its financial performance, streamline operations, and enhance patient care.

Some of the recommendations from the review include closer collaboration between doctors and administrators, monitoring of individual doctors’ admission rates, and implementing explicit discharge targets to improve patient flow. The hospital is also exploring partnerships with long-term care homes and family medicine clinics to provide care for patients in a more efficient manner.

While the road ahead may be challenging, the LHSC is committed to making the necessary changes to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability and ability to meet the healthcare needs of the community. By implementing the recommendations outlined in the review, the hospital hopes to improve its financial performance, enhance patient care, and regain the trust of its staff and the community.