The Middlesex-London region has become one of five regions to receive approval for a new health team, funded by the provincial government. The Ontario Health Team will focus on ending hallway healthcare but connecting patients transition between providers, as well as hospital to home care.
The five Ontario Health Teams include:
- Algoma Ontario Health Team in Algoma District
- Niagara Ontario Health Team in Niagara Region
- Ottawa East Ontario Health Team in Eastern Ottawa, Eastern Champlain and a certain portion of Ottawa Centre, offering services in both official languages
- Western Ontario Health Team in London-Middlesex
- Western York Region Ontario Health Team in Vaughan, Richmond Hill and King City
Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliot announced the news Thursday at the Middlesex London Paramedic Services Headquarters.
“Over the past several months, Ontario Health Teams have demonstrated remarkable responsiveness to the COVID-19 outbreak by simplifying the purchase of personal protective equipment, supporting the staffing of long-term care homes and assessment centers, and expanding virtual care options,” said Elliot. “They’ve done so by breaking down long-standing barriers to better connect care, both in support of patients and our brave frontline heroes. Today’s announcement of five new teams will build on this success as we continue to implement our plan to defeat COVID-19.”
According to a statement released by the Ontario government, Ontario Health Teams will “bring together health care providers to work as one team to improve patient outcomes.” Through the program, patients and families will have access to navigation and care coordination services at all times.
The province will be providing $25.25 million dollars in funding to the Ontario Health Teams, with $9.5 million going directly towards virtual care for those that have tested positive for COVID-19.
For now, the Western Ontario Health Team will only focus on patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure, who need more support and coordinated care to prevent future emergency hospital visits.
17 other teams have been invited to submit an application to become an Ontario Health Team.
“An Ontario Health Team is responsible for delivering care for their patients, understanding their health care history, easing their transition from one provider to another, directly connecting them to the different types of care they need and providing 24/7 help in navigating the health care system,” said the province in a statement.
Find more information about Ontario Health Teams here.
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