Five Counties Children’s Centre set to return to Minden hospital

Lease signed with Haliburton Highlands Health Services

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Five Counties Children’s Centre, as it re-establishes its physical presence in Haliburton County.

Five Counties has signed a new lease for space at the Minden site of Haliburton Highlands Health Services, located at 6 McPherson St.

The renovated, approximately 700-square-foot space is just off the main entrance, situated on the second floor of the Community Health Wing. This space will allow Five Counties staff to see and support more Haliburton children, youth and families.

“We are pleased to reach agreement with Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) on this space that will allow Five Counties to provide care closer to home,” said Five Counties’ CEO Scott Pepin.

“Re-establishing our presence in Minden will save local families the need to drive to Lindsay or Peterborough to access treatment and therapy services.”

Moving into the site in Minden is a homecoming for Five Counties, which previously leased another portion of the facility. That arrangement came to an end when the hospital had to reclaim the space during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“HHHS is delighted to welcome Five Counties Children’s Centre back into our building,” noted HHHS president and CEO Veronica Nelson.

“Five Counties’ dedication to the community through therapy and treatment services to support children with physical, developmental, and communication needs and their families, is inspiring. HHHS looks forward to a continued partnership with Five Counties to bring health and well-being to our younger local population.”

For the past year or so, Five Counties ran a satellite location at Archie Stouffer Elementary School in Minden, using a repurposed classroom for treatment space. The centre will continue to use the space for physiotherapy services.

Five Counties provides speech, occupational and physical therapies, as well as other kids’ treatment services, in Haliburton, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland.

Five Counties staff work in centre sites in Minden, Lindsay, Peterborough, Cobourg and Campbellford, in local schools and virtually to support children and youth from birth to age 19 (21 if still in school).

Last year, Five Counties served more than 6,200 children and youth across its region, the most in its history.

“We know that early intervention — especially when it comes to how a child talks or walks — is so important to help kids reach their full potential,” Pepin says.

“Parents and caregivers are dealing with so much already if their child has been diagnosed or identified with unique needs that impact their development. That’s why making it easier for families to get the help they need when they need right in their own community is essential.”

Planning is underway for an open house in the near future.