The NHS, which says it is facing deficits totally $31 million over the next two years, is required to enter into an accountability agreement with the local LHIN. As part of those agreements, hospitals and hospital systems are required to have balanced budgets.

But the LHIN, in ordering the improvement plan last month, said the Niagara system did not sign its three-year, 2008-2010 agreement.

The NHS has a section on its website (www.niagarahealth.on.ca) designed specifically for community input. All input is confidential and can be received up to midnight on July 14, the NHS said.

Debbie Sevenpifer, president and CEO of the Niagara system, said despite the tight timeframe to come up with the improvement plan, public input is vital.

"We believe it is extremely important that we do our best to obtain input from the people who use our hospital services," she said in a statement.

Dr. Bill Shragge, NHS chief of staff, said public input will allow the Niagara system to make better, more informed decisions. "Our patients and their families who use the hospital system bring a valuable perspective to the development of our (improvement plan) submission," he said.

Among other things, the LHIN wants the improvement plan to achieve a balanced budget by the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

The NHS was unable to balance its budget in the last fiscal year, ending the year with a $17.9 million deficit on a $370-million budget.

People without Internet access who want to submit input can also call 905-378-4647 extension 43107 to request a printed version of the website information and questionnaire.

Once the LHIN receives the NHS improvement plan, the agency will appoint an as yet unnamed "expert advisor" to give advice on the plan's feasibility and potential impact. The advisor's assessment of the plan is expected to be completed in the fall and the LHIN will then have to decide if the NHS improvement plan is on track.