Article in June 9 National Post

On June 9, 2012, the National Post ran a full-page spread on page A6 under the large headline “Unhealthy conflicts” and smaller headline – “Numerous irregularities found at Ontario’s Family Health Teams.” The online version is at — http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/06/08/ontario-government-faces-lawsuits-over-troubled-family-health-teams/

In response, AFHTO has sent the following letter to the editor:

Family Health Teams are all about improving care for patients.  Christie Blatchford said it herself — “Early evidence is that FHTs do result in better outcomes for patients, particularly those with complex medical problems such as diabetes.” Teams also work with specialists, hospitals and community agencies to make more efficient use of Ontario’s health resources.

It is sad to see this progress overshadowed by the isolated allegations in Christie’s story. Improvement is based on evidence.   Family Health Teams continue to combine evidence, innovation, collaboration and learning to improve access to care, help patients achieve better health, and use the precious resources of our health system wisely.

As the evidence of their value expands, let us hope these Teams can also expand so that all Ontarians can access high quality interdisciplinary primary health care.

There is some good news in the article. In addition to Ms. Blatchford’s positive comments about FHTs in paragraphs 2-5, quotes from Minister Matthews and Phil Graham are highly supportive of our teams.  Unfortunately, the rest of the article uses allegations about two FHTs – one community-led and one physician-led – to “suggest there may be widespread gaps with oversight and real potential for abuse and even wrongdoing.”  The criticism is directed toward “conflict of interest” and at government processes for funding and oversight.

AFHTO continues to champion all that FHTs have accomplished, and advocate for the support they need to improve and deliver optimal interprofessional care. On behalf of members, AFHTO has advocated for Ministry support to strengthen many aspects of FHT operations, including governance.

AFHTO members want to govern their FHTs wisely. Members identified governance development as a priority at AFHTO’s November 2009 leadership retreat. This was followed up with a member survey in May 2010, then a proposal to government in January 2011. Participants in the October 2011 leadership program at the AFHTO Conference concluded that FHT governance has been improving, but still needs further development.

Within our resources – two staff plus FHT volunteers – AFHTO will once again present a Leadership and Governance program for the 2012 conference in October. Board resources submitted by FHTs are posted on AFHTO’s members-only website. We also continue to seek external support to be able to ensure all FHT boards have access to the education and tools they need to support sound leadership and governance for their FHTs.

Family Health Teams have so much to offer to patients and Ontario’s health system. AFHTO applauds you for all you have accomplished so far, and is here to support you in your work to provide high quality interdisciplinary primary health care to Ontarians.