The manager of Lambton Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is taking on a new role as executive lead of the Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team (SL-OHT).
Steve Pancino will leave his current position at Lambton EMS on June 18 and will join the SL-OHT on June 21. Pancino has over 20 years of experience within the healthcare system but said this new position is the "largest opportunity" he has had in his career.
"I'm really looking forward to working with all of the 35 partner organizations," he said. "There is a very strong group here in Sarnia-Lambton and there's no reason to believe we won't be highly successful together."
As the executive lead, Pancino will be responsible for developing and implementing initiatives to advance integrated care and partnerships across the SL-OHT. Some specific priority areas that have been identified are transforming care for the seniors population (55+), and advancing transitional age youth mental health and addictions services.
Pancino said although the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged different groups to work together, it has also brought to light the areas that need improvement.
"COVID-19 has shone a light on areas that we really do need to focus on, particularly around our vulnerable populations," he said. "We do have a very strong foundation in the primary care services, our mental health and addictions, our Indigenous health services, public health... there are a lot of good core foundation pieces to work with in improving care for those people."
Pancino started working with Lambton EMS in January 2017. In a media release, SL-OHT said Pancino's experience will be "integral" as the organization continues to build partnerships.