In-home paramedic visits to continue in York Region

YorkRegion.com
June 4, 2016
Amanda Persico  

An injection of cash from the province will allow York Region paramedics to continue providing treatment at patients' homes.

The province recently announced more than $220,000 in funding to continue the Expanding Paramedicine in the Community (EPIC) program, which started in 2013, to help improve access to care for seniors and patients with chronic conditions.

It was started with the intention of freeing up hospital beds for acute patients and reducing emergency room visits.

“Being able to quickly address a minor issue before it becomes a major problem reduced the need for further intervention and hospitalization,” said chief of family medicine for Markham Stouffville Hospital, Dr. Alan Monavvari.

“This allows the hospital to use its resources for patients who require that level of care.”

By partnering with various family health teams, paramedics will perform scheduled and unscheduled home visits for at-risk patients.

“The program is a smart way to leverage the skills and training of paramedics to help serve not just those in acute crisis, but those who have chronic conditions in our community,” said Oak-Ridges Markham MPP Helena Jaczek.

“As a physician, I know this kind of care can help to reduce emergency room visits and hospital admissions.”

Through the program, paramedics will help patients with a range of services, including ensuring patients are taking prescribed medication properly, referring patients to local community services and educating patients on how to manage chronic disease.

“Delivering good care takes a team approach and truly can’t be done by one organization,” Monavvari said. “When we are able to work together, we are able to really address the needs of our patients and provide the right care in the right setting.”

In total, the province is investing $4 million to continue the paramedicine project in 23 communities across the province for another year.

Investing in care at home is part of the province’s Patients First action plan with a focus on connecting patients with the right care and increasing home and community care.

“The success of our community paramedicine program helps seniors and other patients live independently longer,” York Region chairperson and CEO Wayne Emmerson said.

The region was one of the first 10 municipalities to pilot the project in 2013, providing more than 1,300 home visits to more than 300 patients.

Since 20014, the province has invested more than $7 million in EPIC program.