New Southlake Community Health Team gets go-ahead from province

Yorkregion.com
December 2, 2019
Simon Martin

Ending hallway health care is getting an early test drive in northern York Region.

Minister of Health Christine Elliott announced Nov. 27 that the Southlake Community Ontario Health Team will be one of the first 24 teams in the province to implement a new model of organizing and delivering health care. The team will better connect patients and providers in the community, Elliott said.

The province is introducing Ontario Health Teams, a new model of care that brings together health care providers to work as one team.

Through the team, patients should experience easier transitions from one provider to another, including between hospitals and home care providers.

"This is an exciting time for health care in Ontario as we finally break down the long-standing barriers that have prevented care providers from working directly with each other to support patients throughout their health care journey," Elliott said. "Together with our health care partners, the Southlake Community Ontario Health Team will play an essential role in delivering on our commitment to end hallway health care."

The Southlake Community Ontario Health Team is expected to create a local health care system that provides coordinated care for patients, reduce wait times, and lead to better health outcomes for patients.

"With our new Southlake Community 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," Elliott said. "I would like to thank all the health care providers and organizations that helped plan the Southlake Community 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."

In the first year, Elliott said the focus will be on supporting older adults with complex health care needs and adults with mental health and addictions challenges.

As it continues its work to integrate care, the team will put in place 24/7 navigation and care coordination services for patients and families. 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 Southlake Community Ontario Health Team's population

"The transformation of the province's health care system from one of silos to integrated local Ontario Health Teams represents the most promising opportunity we've seen in decades to improve care for patients and families," said Arden Krystal, co-chair of the Southlake team's planning committee and the CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre.

"In addition to improved outcomes for patients, our Ontario Health Team will enhance patient experience, improve provider satisfaction, and increase value and efficiency in the system. We are thrilled to be moving forward as one of the first Ontario Health Teams."

"We know from other jurisdictions that rooting care coordination and navigation supports for patients within primary care can lead to dramatic improvements," Dr. David Makary, the primary care lead on the team planning committee said. "We are excited to continue collaborating with dedicated primary care providers, along with patients, families and caregivers, to design and implement our Ontario Health Team and bring connected care to the communities we collectively serve."

The team will begin implementing some of its proposed programs and services in 2020 and will communicate with patients and families about the changes and improvements they can expect in their community.

The team is made up of: Southlake Regional Health Centre, Aurora-Newmarket Family Health Team, Bayshore HealthCare, Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe, CHATS, Enhanced Care Medical Clinic, Extendicare, Georgina Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, LOFT Community Services, SE Health, Southlake Academic Family Health Team, and the Region of York, Paramedic and Seniors Services.