The process of bringing together different sectors of health care services is moving ahead, according to a spokesperson for the Mount Forest Family Health Team (FHT).
Suzanne Trivers, FHT executive director, told about 100 people attending Mayor Ray Tout’s breakfast on May 9 at the community Sportsplex that the aim of the Health Link program was to streamline the way health services in the rural community are provided.
She was joined by Patricia Syms Sutherland, director of health care system integration with the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
“It (Health Link) brings together various providers in the community to talk about how do we share services,” Syms Sutherland said.
“There is no template. This is something each community needs to look at and say, ‘How can we do this. What are the differences and how do we make the changes?’”
Trivers said the family health team, which officially linked doctors and their work under one group in 2007, has become part of a larger network of local health care providers.
The Mount Forest FHT is part of four health teams under the auspices of Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus, Louise Marshall Hospital in Mount Forest and Palmerston and District Hospital (the latter two are part of the North Wellington Health Care group).
“Our ultimate goal is to make sure the journey through the health care system is smooth,” Trivers said.
The plan is a reversal of the way the health care system operated in the past.
“The culture of health care has been to work independently, not as a team,” she added.
Sym Sutherland said the LHIN, which oversees funding and programs within its jurisdiction, found that about 10 per cent of people use about 80% of health care services provided. It was the intention of the Health Link program to group as many services together to make it easier for patients to access the services they need in a coordinated approach.
Trivers said that has meant sharing of medical information between different services, including doctors, hospitals, diabetic services, pharmacists and mental health services to make sure each is aware of a patient’s medical needs and care.
“We are focusing on seniors with complex health needs and people with mental health issues,” Trivers said.
She talked about a hypothetical case of a patient she called “Jim,” who first came into the system about 10 years ago. Trivers said at that time, it took Jim several months to find a doctor. With the creation of a the family health team and coordination of services, the patient and his changing health needs are continuing to be addressed.
“This is a significant change in our (health services) culture,” she said. “Jim has a virtual team of (health care) providers.”
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece acknowledged changes in the way health care is delivered in the rural area from the work of “first responders” and up.
“Thanks to all of your for what you do,” he said.
Mayor Tout also lauded the work being done.
“We probably have one of the best health care systems in the world,” he said.
