Middlesex County Council has approved a plan to conduct a comprehensive operational and strategic review of Strathmere Lodge, the county-owned long-term care facility located in Strathroy. The decision, made during the September 9 council meeting, marks the first external assessment of the home in more than two decades.
The review will support the development of a formal master plan for the lodge and is intended to ensure the facility continues to meet the evolving needs of residents, families, and the broader long-term care sector. County officials emphasized the importance of aligning services with modern expectations, regulations, and best practices.
The third-party review will involve input from frontline staff and families of residents, reflecting a commitment to inclusive planning. It will evaluate internal processes, operational efficiency, care outcomes, and compliance with provincial standards, with the goal of identifying opportunities for improvement, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
Middlesex County’s chief administrative officer confirmed that the project will be funded through the county’s existing operational budget. A competitive procurement process will be used to select an external consultant to lead the review.
The initiative is being driven solely by the county and is not mandated by the provincial government. County officials noted that the project would help validate current operations while identifying areas where strategic enhancements may be needed.
Council members voted unanimously in favour of proceeding. Once a consultant has been selected through the request for proposals process, the review and draft master plan will return to council for further consideration.
Written by: myFM News