Your Weekly News & Updates
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Details on provincial shutdown
Yesterday the Ontario government imposed a provincial shutdown to go into effect on Dec. 26. They released details here.
We have contacted the Ministry and it has been confirmed- there has been no change to the guidance for primary care services. Please continue to deliver care to your patients virtually or in person based on clinical judgment. The OCFP has updated their guidance document on considerations for in person visits that you may find helpful.
COVID-19 safety and planning
Teams may receive inspections as part of a multi-ministry COVID-19 enforcement blitz coordinated with local public health and other provincial officers to promote education and compliance with the Reopening Ontario Act in efforts to tighten public health and workplace safety measures to limit the transmission of COVID-19.
Depending on the part of the province teams are in – and more specifically the “colour zones” under the COVID-19 response framework that have been assigned based on COVID transmission in the community, teams may be required to provide a ‘safety plan’ as part of these inspections and we are encouraging all teams to have one in place. Here are a sample template and policy that teams can use to build their own plans. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
COVID vaccine foundation webinar video and more
Recent updates include:
- NCCID Public Health Agency of Canada COVID-19 Vaccine webinars– videos from Dec. webinars in English and French
- The AMMI hosted COVID-19 Vaccine Foundations for Health Care Providers webinar, Dec. 14.
- COVID-19 vaccines – resources compiled by CEP including addressing patient questions about the vaccines.
- OCFP Questions and Answers from their Dec. 11th Community of Practice session on COVID.
- Shining a Light at the End of the Tunnel– OMA white paper regarding a vaccine framework, Dec. 15, 2020
- Memo from General Rick Hillier and COVID-19 taskforce update 2
- Primary Care: Preparedness and Management of COVID-19– PHO webinar, Nov. 13
We continue to update several pages on our site with resources and news:
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and Ministry situation reports (please note that the Ministry Situation Reports on COVID-19 are posted daily so review them to better understand the provincial response)
- COVID-19 assessment centres in Ontario
- COVID-19 information for Patients, Caregivers and the Public
- Infection control resources and tools for primary care
- H+K Memos and Insight Notes on Government Press Releases
- Management and operations, human resources and COVID-19
- Mental health and wellness during COVID-19
- Providing Comprehensive Care During COVID-19
- Resources for Re-opening – NEW
- Virtual Care, Digital Health and COVID-19
Members’ stories
Central Lambton FHT: Central Lambton FHT and partners increase access to testing
City of Kawartha Lakes FHT: ensuring its team has increased knowledge and skills in providing health care for questioning, transitioning and transgender patients and their families and caregivers.
Elliott Lake and Wawa FHTs: Algoma Public Health has officially named this year’s Public Health Champions
Additional funding for mental health and addictions services
On Dec. 17, Ontario’s government announced increased funding for mental health and addictions services, meant to address the increasing demand for services due to COVID-19.
Per the announcement, this includes:
- Over $62.2 million in community-based mental health and addictions services and inter-professional primary care teams, including $30 million in targeted funding for child and youth mental health services. Services include local in-person and virtual community mental health and addictions services, housing and accommodation supports, capacity-building for front-line workers, peer supports and resources, and enhanced services through interprofessional primary care including Family Health Teams, Indigenous governed supports and Community Health Centres.
Funding to interprofessional teams was already announced in our November 24th Leadership Triad email so this is not new money. However, according to our contacts, progress is being made on the funding packages so teams should hopefully get further details, including funding flow, within a couple of weeks.
HPCO continues virtual activity wellness hub
HPCO is continuing the Virtual Activity Wellness Hub beginning Tuesday, January 12th due to high interest from participants. They’re piloting virtual activities via Zoom meetings for seniors, people isolated at home, caregivers, and hospice volunteers. Activities will be run by facilitators in a fun and interactive group setting to increase social connection. See the flyer.
Now is the Time to Choose Wisely: Advancing Quality Improvement in Primary Care, Jan. 27, 2021
Engaging primary care providers in QI can play an important role in improving practice, enhancing patient experiences, and reducing unnecessary tests and treatments.
This is particularly relevant now, as the pandemic has further emphasized the importance of resource stewardship given the urgent care needs and constraints related to COVID-19. Learn more and register here.
COVID-19 Community of Practice for Ontario Family Physicians, Jan. 8, 2021
“Update on Covid-19 vaccines”. Register here.
Family Medicine Summit, Jan. 30- Feb. 27, 2021
Registration is now open for the OCFP’s Family Medicine Summit (the former Annual Scientific Assembly – ASA). Find out more.
ECHO Sessions: Supporting Parents/Caregivers During a Pandemic: Information for Primary Care, Jan. 27 & Feb. 3, 2021
Offered at no cost to participants. Register here.
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