The regional government agency that controls funding for Stevenson Memorial Hospital is looking for input from local residents.

The Central Local Health Integration Network is having a service gap study, and is holding a public meeting this coming Tues., Sept. 23. The information will be used to set a 10-year plan for healthcare funding in the region.

Stevenson Memorial Hospital is the northern-most rural hospital in the Central LIHN, and organizers want to ensure that it isn't left out of the planning process.

LHINs distribute provincial money to hospitals. While the LHIN does not actually set hospital programs and policy, it does control the funding for those programs. The hospital is asking local residents to come to the meeting, and voice their concerns.

The LHIN would specifically like to hear from representatives of different agencies that have a stake in local healthcare, such as seniors homes.

"If we don't speak up about our needs, we may not have them met," said communications manager Kate Mooij of Stevenson Memorial Hospital.

The open forum runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.