Delivering Better Care for High Needs Patients in Northwestern Ontario
New Health Link to Co-ordinate Care for Seniors and Patients with Complex Conditions
“Our community will benefit greatly with the Thunder Bay Integrated District Network Health Link working to bring local health care providers together as a team to deliver coordinated health care with patients at the center. By coordinating health care services for patients with complex needs, especially seniors, we ensure that improved health care is provided quickly and efficiently.” MPP Michael Gravelle, Thunder Bay – Superior North
High needs patients in the City of Thunder Bay Integrated District Network (IDN) will soon benefit from better coordinated care from a new Health Link bringing together all health providers in the community.
“North West Community Care Access Centre supports Health Links and is proud to be a part of this wonderful opportunity for improving the patient care experience. Health care system partners in Thunder Bay [Integrated District Network] are committed to work together and better serve the patients who need our care the most. Through Health Links we will continue to build on strong partnerships to better integrate the health care system and improve the care of the most vulnerable patients whether they are in hospital or at home or in the community. “ Tuija Puiras, Chief Executive Officer, North West Community Care Access Centre
The new City of Thunder Bay IDN Health Link will offer seniors and patients with complex conditions better care through personalized care plans and more coordinated support from a tightly knit team of providers. It will help improve patient transitions within the health care system by encouraging providers to share patient information and work together to develop solutions that address the patient’s specific needs.
“The North West LHIN is excited about the opportunity to advance Health Links across our region. The City of Thunder Bay IDN Health Link is the first of many that will link health care providers together as an integrated team focused on improving person-centred care. This will enhance quality of care, improve transitions across the care continuum, and increase patient satisfaction.” Laura Kokocinski, CEO – North West Local Health Integration Network
Providing better care for seniors and patients with complex conditions supports the government’s Action Plan for Health Care and its commitment to provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place. This is part of the Ontario government’s economic plan to invest in people, invest in infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
“Health Links break down barriers for Ontarians, making access to health care easier and less complicated. By encouraging local health providers to work together to co-ordinate care for individual patients, we’re ensuring our highest needs patients — seniors and those with complex conditions — get the care they need and don’t fall between the cracks.” Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
QUICK FACTS
- Since the program’s launch in December 2012, 37 Health Links have been established across Ontario, including the new Napanee health link.
- Health Link patients typically have complex conditions, including seniors, multiple chronic diseases, and mental illness and addictions.
- Health Links bring together health care providers in a given geographic area, including primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, home care, long-term care and community agencies.
- A recent study found that 75 per cent of seniors with complex conditions who are discharged from the hospital receive care from six or more physicians and 30 per cent get their drugs from three or more pharmacies.
- Complex patients represent up to five per cent of Ontario’s population, but use two-thirds of the health care budget.
LEARN MORE
- About Health Links.
- Read an example of how a Health Link can provide better care for a patient with complex conditions.
- Quotes from health care providers in support of Health Links.
