Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece have announced the Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team as one of the first 24 health teams in the province. The Ontario Health Team aims to help patients experience easier transitions from one provider to another, including, for example, between hospitals and home care providers, with one patient story, one patient record and one care plan.
Thompson and Pettapiece say the Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team’s vision is a sustainable people-driven system that strives to provide a positive experience for all.
The two were in Mitchell today to make the announcement on behalf of Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
The Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team will put in place 24/7 navigation and care coordination services for patients and families. A focused group of patients will receive these services through their integrated primary care teams and the broader Ontario Health Team partners. This work will be implemented in phases and over time will provide care for everyone within the Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team’s population. The OHT will implement a new model of organizing and delivering health care that better connects patients and providers in their communities to improve patient outcomes.
“Together, we’ve reached a major milestone in the journey to connect care and modernize the health care system,” Thompson said. “Ontario Health Teams are a new model of care that bring together care providers to work as one team. In doing so, we are breaking down long-standing barriers that have prevented care providers to work directly with each other to support patients and end hallway health care.”
Her colleague agreed: “Our local health care providers are leaders in the province and are continuously examining ways to improve patient care. Their commitment to our rural communities is truly inspiring and they are a model for the rest of Ontario.”
“With more than 60 partners, the team will integrate a full suite of health care services across Huron Perth and the surrounding area – and is committed to working together with patients and caregivers to ensure they are meeting the true needs of those using and providing services,” Pettapiece said.
“This successful collaboration is possible in due to existing strong relationships among the providers in the Huron Perth area,” Thompson added.
“This is an exciting time for health care in Ontario,” said Elliott. “Together with our health care partners, the Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team will play an essential role in delivering on our commitment to end hallway health care and building a connected and sustainable public health care system centered around the needs of patients.”
“With our new Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team, patients will benefit from better integrated health care, with a seamless experience when moving between different health care services, providers and settings,” said Elliott. “I would like to thank all the health care providers and organizations that helped plan the Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team; there is lots of work to be done, but with their dedication and hard work, we will continue to improve health care in our communities and ensure Ontarians get the care they deserve.”