UPDATE:  Health System Integration - what's happening with implementation of Patients First?

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has shared updates on the work supported by the Patients First Act, 2016 and it is the continuing commitment of  the oversight Steering Committee of the MOHLTC and LHINs to provide regular updates - check this posting regularly for updates!

Last updated June 16th, 2017 - view updates below.

View February 27, 2017 Update Webinar 
This webinar provides an update on progress in implementing the Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care and the health system changes enabled by the Patients First Act, 2016.  The webinar is co-hosted by Dr. Bob Bell, Deputy Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and Nancy Naylor, Associate Deputy Minister, Delivery and Implementation.

  • View January 27, 2017 Update Communication
    Providing an overview of the goals and visions of the proposed transformation the communiques also shares an implementation timeline and key deliverables.

  • View February 3, 2017 Update
    Learn about proposed LHIN Sub-Regions and the rationale for these local planning regions that will serve as the focal point for improved health system planning, performance improvement and service integration.  Why not visit your own LHIN website to learn about the sub-regions in your LHIN.

  • View February 10, 2017 Update
    This update focuses on Health Links and important emphasis our health system is increasingly placing on local leadership and collaboration.  This is an important article to catalyze thought about how OT perspectives are represented and heard at the local partner level.  Does your organization represent an OT perspective well? Are your thoughts about how OT can contribute to regional health priorities known within your organization?  Think about it!

  • View February 17, 2017 Update
    This update shares information about the LHINs' new organizational structure and how these will support the Patients First:  Action Plan for Health Care and identifies 7 core functions for LHINs that represent both the new LHIN mandate and the integration of key corporate and functional operations of the CCACs and LHINs.

  • View February 24, 2017 Update  
    This update focuses on patient and family engagement.  The Patients First Act, 2016 requires each Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) to strengthen the patient voice in health care planning by creating one or more Patient and Family Advisory Committees (PFACs). This will ensure that patients and caregivers are involved in processes to identify local population health needs, address gaps and improve access to appropriate and culturally sensitive care.

  • View March 10, 2017 Update
    This update shares information about Health Shared Services Ontario (HSSO), which officially became operational on March 1, 2017.  In order to equip the LHINs with the resources and supports they need to take on their new and expanded mandates, three discrete organizations - the Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centres (OACCAC), the LHIN Collaborative (LHINC), and the LHIN Shared Services Office (LSSO) - have merged to form HSSO. 

  • View March 17, 2017 Update
    There are 7 weeks to the first planned CCAC transfer to a LHIN.  This update shares plans and commitments to support the transfer of home and community care services from CCACs to LHINs​.  Government is committed to ensure that all services and supporting processes are maintained through transition.

  • View March 24, 2017 Update
    With 6 weeks to implementation of transfer of CCAC services to the LHINs you can follow along and see exactly where transition plans are at and what's coming next.  Also in this update is a focus on the Ontario Quality Standards Committee which has objectives to  improve health system outcomes and reduce unwarranted variation in care quality through a more coordinated provincial approach to clinical care standards.  HQO is currently seeking membership for this Committee....why not consider this opportunity - see Call for Expression of Interest.

  • View April 7, 2017 Update   
    This update announces the CCAC/LHIN transfer dates for all 14 LHINs which are scheduled between May 3 and June 21.  Timing of CCAC service/personnel transfer has been determined to ensure there is no interruption to patient services.

  • View April 24, 2017 WEBINAR  - Archived.
    An update presented by Nancy Naylor, Associate Deputy Minister, Delivery and Implementation, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.  

  • View April 28, 2017 Update
    This update shares an update on plans for LHIN assumption of CCAC services which commences on May 3rd and provide an overview of the health care implications of the Ontario Budget 2017.

  • View May 5, 2017 Update
    This update communicates the successful transition of the North Simcoe Muskoka's CCAC services into the LHIN and shares the Minister's LHIN Mandate Letters which direct LHINs to focus on priorities of: Improving access to a primary care provider, to specialists, to mental health and addictions services, and to home and community care; providing patients with seamless transitions across our health care system; and ensuring the patient’s voice is at the heart of the system by giving them a seat at the table in decision making through LHIN Patient and Family Advisory Committees.

  • View May 12, 2017 Update
    This update shares the experience of the first LHINs to transfer CCAC services into the LHIN and speaks to the opportunities Patients First has provided for both CCACs and LHINs to work in collaboration to plan and execute these sophisticated transitions.

  • View May 19, 2017 Update
    This update shares reports on transitions of CCAC services to LHINs and introduces the concepts of Integrated Funding Models such as Bundled Care. Reflecting on the learnings from the bundled care pilot sites and advice received from key thought leaders, the ministry has committed to a voluntary expansion of bundled care in 2017/18, along two streams -  first, scaling up piloted models for Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery and Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis and secondly, to continue to explore innovative bundled models with a focus initially on Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease and Congestive Heart Failure.

  • View May 27, 2017 Update
    This update shares reports on the ongoing transition of CCAC services to the LHINs.  A synopsis of plans for the implementation of the 76 LHIN Sub Regions.  In the coming months, all LHINs will undertake steps around engaging the local communities within LHIN sub-regions to develop plans and priorities for service integration, performance improvement, and improved population health. OSOT urges members to contact your local LHIN to get involved in this important work.

  • View June 2, 2017 Update
    This update speaks to LHIN Board appointments and the process used to expand LHIN governance to prepare to undertake their new roles. LHIN Board did extensive outreach, encouraging candidates who represent the linguistic, cultural, and geographic diversity of their respective LHIN regions, including representatives from Francophone and Indigenous communities.  Board Directors, including the Chair, are assessed and selected based on their skills, abilities and the needs of the LHIN Board. 
  • View June 9, 2017 Update
    This update shares an update on one of the final transitions of CCACs into LHINs.  The final 3 transitions will occur on June 21, 2017.  This update provides a focus on the Change Management commitments of the Ministry.

  • View June 16, 2017 Update
    This update spotlights the Achieving Excellence Together Conference held June 14 - 16, 2017 and relays the Awards for Excellence which recognize achievement and commitment in home and community care.


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View Frequently asked Questions about the Patients First Act and system transformation here. 
Implications for Occupational Therapists

Ontario's health system transformation, grounded in the commitments of the Patients First Act, has significant impacts for OTs. While the goals of the transformation are supported by OSOT - a more truly integrated health system with primary care, hospital care, home and community care, long-term care and even public health more coordinated under the purview of the LHINs - the magnitude of change will pose challenges for all working in the health system.

OSOT urges members to keep the Society apprised of local and regional developments as policy changes role out.  In this way we can best support OTs in local regions and the profession as a whole in Ontario.  Contact Christie Brenchley.