Removing barriers

Ontario launches new Health Team in Hastings Prince Edward

The Prince Edward Family Health Team will be part of an expansion bringing a new and improved patient-centered healthcare program from the Ontario government. Minister of Health Christine Elliott was in Tweed on Friday afternoon to announce the formation of eight new Ontario health teams, including a new Hastings Prince Edward Ontario health team. Funding of $9 million to be spread amongst the eight new teams was also announced.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott explained that the vision was formed of Ontario Health Teams that brings together healthcare providers to work as one team. The new model will break down longstanding barriers and allows providers to deliver better, faster, more coordinated and truly patient-centrode care. “Long before any of us had ever heard of COVID-19, our government did make a commitment to end hallway health care and build a better connected healthcare system that is based on the needs of patients and families,” said Elliott. “The Ontario Health Team model has proven how a collaborative team can help each other in times of need while still keeping the patient at the centre of care.”

With the addition of the eight new health teams, Ontario will now have 50 teams spread across the province. In the first year, the new health teams will focus on enhancing care for mental health and addictions as well as home and community support. Elliott commended the Prince Edward and Hastings health teams, saying they already work well together. “With a rich history of working together, this team truly understands a collaborative connected approach to patient care,” said Elliott.

MPP Todd Smith was excited to introduce what he calls an innovative model. “One of the concerns that I do hear most often when talking to people is that they find it really challenging to navigate our healthcare system,” said Smith. “These Ontario Health Teams are designed to change that by pulling together everyone involved in care around a patient’s needs.” Smith explained that this is the first step in a multi-year transformation that will see the programs, providers and services communities rely on remain the same as organizations begin to work better together.

It is important to note that the majority of the population in Hastings Prince Edward (54 per cent) is 45 years or older, which is above the provincial average. Debbie MacDonald Moynes, Executive Director of The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association says this announcement will make a world of difference for seniors. “Creating this new Ontario Health Team will organize and deliver services to seniors more effectively. It will ensure that when seniors need assistance, they can get it quickly. Caring for seniors is going to be a continuing priority for the new Team,” said MacDonald Moynes.

The Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Family Health Team will serve approximately 178,000 residents within Hastings and Prince Edward Counties as well as adjacent communities that rely on health and wellness services.