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!
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.
Subscribe to receive email updates.
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.