Elgin health care providers on track to submit full Ontario Health Team (OHT) proposal to improve access to services and the patient experience

ELGIN COUNTY – In early 2019, the Ontario Government announced a restructuring of how health care will be delivered in the province. Fundamental to the plan is the creation of Ontario Health Teams (OHTs). These teams are being introduced to provide a new way of organizing and delivering care that is more connected to people in their local communities.

Locally, a group of health care providers have come together to plan for the creation of an Elgin Ontario Health Team. The Steering Committee consists of approximately 25 organizations representing various health care sectors including primary care, acute care, home and community care, and community and patient partners.

Since receiving the go ahead from the Ministry of Health (MOH) to submit a full application to become an OHT in July 2020, these partners have been working to create a detailed proposal for improving access to health care in Elgin County.

A key focus will be promotion of overall health and wellness along with equitable and convenient access to health care services. The model will examine the social and environmental determinants of health, and focus on keeping people healthy and out of the hospital.

The full OHT application focuses on how OHT partners will make decisions and collaborate to transform services for the local community. This transformation involves improving access to health services and outcomes, while reducing emergency department visits.

In the first year, the Elgin OHT will address respiratory disease, which has a significant prevalence in Elgin County compared to the rest of the province.

The Elgin OHT is targeting a submission of the full application by mid-December. In the coming weeks, there will be a number of engagement opportunities for the community to share ideas and insight into how health care is delivered in Elgin County. Visit our website to learn more about how you can participate. www.elginoht.ca

About the Elgin OHT

Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) are a critical component of the Ontario Government’s plan to reorganize health care services and will provide a new way of organizing and delivering health care services in local communities. Through OHTs, health care providers will work as one connected team making it easier for people to access services and transition between providers, and empowering people and families in their personal health care.

The Steering Committee for the Elgin OHT is comprised of partners from across the care continuum, including primary care providers, hospitals, patient partners, long-term care, home care and community organizations.

For more information on the OHT process, please visit the MOH website:
www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/connectedcare/oht/

Media Contact:
Melissa Beilhartz, Communications and Engagement Elgin OHT
C: 548.388.6116
E: melissa.beilhartz@stegh.on.ca