A community paramedicine proposal involving Perth, Huron and Bruce Counties is moving forward.

The project has received $104,000 in funding over two years for a future needs analysis.

The objective is to develop a fully automated Community Referral by Emergency Medical Services system with the Southwest Community Care Access Centre.

It also includes pilot wellness clinics for seniors in collaboration with existing programs in the three counties.

The plan is to keep seniors in their homes longer with care provided in the community. Paramedics would be trained to identify risks like diabetes, congestive heart failure. They would find ways to link patients to the proper supports. They can also observe if there are any problems in the home that would prevent an elderly client from being safely discharged to their residence.

A working group has been assembled, and is holding its first meeting this month.