The establishment of an Ontario Health Team in Sarnia-Lambton has taken another step forward.
The province has formally invited the local collaborative, and 16 others, to complete a full application.
Bluewater Health is one of more than 35 local health and social service organizations involved in the initiative.
President and CEO Mike Lapaine, the chair of the application steering committee, said they'll work to remove barriers to care and deliver more integrated services, and adds the COVID-19 pandemic has already brought many groups together.
"In this region, we were one of the first assessment centres set up. It came through the hospital, the hospital reached out to the Twin Bridges Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic and they set it up. Between the hospital, Twin Bridges, and Lambton Public Health, we were able to start that testing almost immediately," said Lapaine.
"Another great example is when Vision Nursing Home got into trouble with a bit of an outbreak there. They had staffing shortages, so we were able to help fill in their staffing gaps and help with infection control issues. We've also been able to share personal protective equipment (PPE) across many of the different partners. All of those things spoke to that we are sort of a tapestry of a care network that needs to work together. I think it only underlines the importance of what an Ontario Health Team could be in normal times, let alone a pandemic."
The health care providers, including physicians, home and community care providers and hospitals, will work as one coordinated team, no matter where they provide care.
On December 3, 2019, the group submitted a Self-Assessment to the Government of Ontario for consideration. They hope to get a response to the full application before the end of the year.
The initial focus will be on the elderly and mental health support.
On Thursday, Health Minister Christine Elliott announced new teams in the Algoma District, Niagara Region, Ottawa, Western York Region, and London-Middlesex.
The province also announced $25.5 million to support the 29 Ontario Health Teams operating now directly. $9.5 million will be invested in virtual care for vulnerable populations and those who have tested positive for COVID-19. Each team will also get $375,000.
The first 24 Ontario Health teams were announced last year.