South Simcoe moves forward in Ontario Health Team process
[New Tecumseth, ON – July 19, 2019] The Ministry of Health has informed Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) and community partners that they are able to move forward in the development phase of the Ontario Health Team (OHT) process in becoming the South Simcoe OHT.
A Town Hall conference was held yesterday by Christine Elliott, Minister of Health and Deputy Premier, to provide an update on the OHT submission review process and outcomes. She revealed that out of the 150 OHT self-assessments received, 31 were identified as ready to submit a full application and 43 were identified as in development. The in development submissions are identified as having a strong degree of readiness and will prepare for a future full application submission. The outstanding submissions were identified as in discovery and may need to match with other teams in their region.
“We are one of the 43 applications that has been identified in the cohort. Upon review of our submission, the Ministry identified that we demonstrated a strong history of trusting relationships among partners, and commitment towards integration and shared financial management,” says Jody Levac, President and CEO. “Our strong partnerships in this geography was the cornerstone of our submission and we are so proud to be a partner in this region.”
SMH, along with 13 community partners including the County of Simcoe, LOFT, Matthews House Hospice, Alliston Family Health Team, CHATS, Nurse Next Door Home Care Services, Canadian Mental Health Association and Addiction Services for York Region are going to work towards a full application and learn from the OHTs that are in the full application process with the ultimate goal of representing our local communities as the South Simcoe OHT.
“This is a great success for our organization, our community partners and our residents,” says Levac. “We are confident that this integrated model of care will improve the patient experience in our local communities. We look forward to progressing in the process and submitting a full application in the future.”
