On May 25, 2016, the Government of Ontario launched the Ontario First Nations Health Action Plan (OFNHAP), a multi-year initiative to improve health care for Indigenous peoples in Ontario. A key part of this Plan is the creation or expansion of new primary care teams; community-based models of primary health care that are designed based on the needs and cultures of the communities they will serve. We are pleased to inform you that the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for this important initiative has now opened. This process is an initial step associated with this commitment and will allow for the submission of applications for interprofessional primary care teams, which will then be evaluated and assessed. As part of the assessment process, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (the “ministry”) will engage an inter-ministerial committee as well as a committee of Indigenous partners. While the primary focus of this initiative is on northern First Nations communities, as a means to addressing significant gaps in primary care access, Indigenous organizations and communities across Ontario are also welcome to submit applications through this process. Below are an Application Kit and Guidance documents that have been developed to assist organizations and communities participating in the EOI process. The submission of Application Forms will close on August 21, 2017. Applications received after this time will not be considered. We encourage interested organizations to read all of the Guides and materials in the Application Kit in order to prepare a comprehensive application for evaluation. If you have further questions, please email the ministry at IIPCT@ontario.ca or contact John Roininen, Northern Lead, Primary Health Care Branch, at 705-564-7494 or 1-866-727-9959. Relevant Links:
Tag: Highlights
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AFHTO 2017 Conference: Registration now live
Registration now open for the AFHTO 2017 Conference!
Improving Primary Care Together October 25 & 26, 2017 – Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario
Every day, it seems, brings new developments in the transformation of Ontario’s health system. Each shift has the potential for far-reaching implications. For the benefit of all Ontarians, primary care needs to shine throughout the changes. At AFHTO’s 2017 Conference over 850 interprofessional primary care providers, patients and community partners will explore how we can all improve primary care together. The program will highlight how to make the most of opportunities and minimize challenges, both locally and regionally, to improve health, health care, and value for the people of Ontario. Join your peers from across the province to learn to how you can play your part.
- Register an individual or team for the conference
- Early-bird registration closes October 2, 2017
- Members receive a 50% discount on registration. Concurrent session speakers and planning committee members are also eligible for additional discounts
- Find out more about registration fees and discounts
- Reserve a room at the preferred group rate at the Westin Harbour Castle
- Book discounted travel arrangements with Porter Airlines and/or VIA Rail Canada
- Conference and registration FAQs
See the full Conference Schedule here. For general information, you can visit our conference page. We look forward to seeing you at the AFHTO 2017 Conference!
- Register an individual or team for the conference
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Workplace Health and Safety
Mandatory Postings: Government of Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act
Under the Ontario Health and Safety Act, employers are required to post the Act and any explanatory material prepared by the Ministry, which includes the following posters:
- “Health & Safety at Work – Prevention Starts Here” available in English, French and other languages.
- “Employment Standards“
- “In Case of Injury”
See a list of other documents which must be posted for compliance with the Ontario Health & Safety Act. For more information, see the following:
- Ministry of Labour
- Statutory Obligations in the Workplace
- Resources from the Public Services Health & Safety Association
Return to the Library of Organizational Policies and Procedures.
Health & Safety Committees
- Joint Health & Safety Committee – Guelph FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Joint Health & Safety Committee Guidelines [downloadable Word document]
- Recruitment poster for committee members [.jpg]
- Monthly Facility Walkabout checklist [downloadable Word document]
- Health & Safety Meetings – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Joint Health& Safety Committee – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
Return to the Library of Organizational Policies and Procedures.
Heath & Safety Policies
- Health and Safety Policy – North York FHT [PDF]
- Occupational Health & Safety – Guelph FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Materials from Creating a Healthy Workplace Culture to Support Organizational Wellness for the Interprofessional Family Health Team Members (2009) – a project of South East FHT in collaboration with other FHTs
- Health and Safety Policy – North Perth FHT [PDF]
- Duty of Persons Directing Work [PDF]
- Health & Safety Policy – Leamington & Area FHT [PDF]
- Workplace Inspection Form – – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Individual Health & Safety Responsibilities – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
Refusing Unsafe Work
- Right to Refuse Unsafe Work – North Perth FHT [PDF]
- Work Refusal Procedure – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Work Refusal Form – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
Safe Material Handling Practices
- WHMIS: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System – Guelph FHT [downloadable Word document]
- PowerPoint template [download]
- Sharps & Needlesticks Policy – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- WHMIS Procedure – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Bloodborne Pathogen Program – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Liquid Nitrogen Handling – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
Personal Protective Equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment Policy – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
Immunization
Smoking
- Smoking Policy – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
Alcohol & Drug Policy
- Drug & Alcohol Policy – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
Bed Bugs Policy
Environmental Hazards
- Electrical Safety – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Ladder Safety – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
Return to the Library of Organizational Policies and Procedures.
Responding to Safety Incidents or Accidents
Reporting & Investigation
- Incident Reporting – North Perth FHT [PDF]
- Hazard Reporting – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Incident Investigation Form – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Excel spreadsheet]
- Incident Investigation Report – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Medical Injury Reporting – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
Evacuation
- Bomb & Sabotage Threats – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Fire Disaster Procedure – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
First Aid
- First Aid Policy – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
- Eye Wash Station – Leamington & Area FHT [downloadable Word document]
Return to the Library of Organizational Policies and Procedures.
Workplace Violence, Harassment, and Discrimination
- Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Policy – Clinton [downloadable Word document]
- Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies and Guidelines – South East Toronto FHT [PDF]
- Workplace Violence – North Perth FHT [PDF]
- Tips for Creating a Respectful Workplace from Maria McDonald, Employment Lawyer at DDO Law [PDF]
- Human Rights – North Perth FHT [PDF]
- Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Policy – Clinton [downloadable Word document]
Return to the Library of Organizational Policies and Procedures.
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Alliston FHT Physician wins Award for Excellence and Dedication
Barrie Today article published May 29, 2017. Article in full pasted below. Barrie Today Staff. Barrie Today NEW TECUMSETH – Dr. Matt Myatt, chief of emergency medicine and Dr. Mohammad Keshoofy, general surgeon at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), have received the Dr. Alexander MacIntyre Award for Excellence and Dedication in the Community and Medical Field from the Alliston and Area Physician Recruitment Committee (AAPRC). The award was created by the AAPRC in memory of Dr. MacIntyre, who was a family physician in the area for close to 35 years. Dr. MacIntyre was an active physician recruitment committee member and had a passion for mentoring medical students. The award recognizes the hard dedication and great work done by physicians in the community. This year, the committee decided to share the award between these two well-respected SMH physicians. According to SMH CEO Jody Levac, “Both these doctors have played a vital role in improving quality and driving best practice at SMH. Matt and Mohammad embody a spirit of dedication and passion in patient care. The award is equally well-deserved by these two very dedicated local physicians.” Dr. Myatt joined the SMH team in December of 2011 as a family and emergency medicine physician, becoming chief of emergency medicine in April 2015 where he continues to serve. He also provides full-time emergency services and is a member of the Alliston Family Health team. In addition to his physician duties, Dr. Myatt contributes to community medical wellbeing through teaching students, recruiting new physicians, and working towards quality improvement within both SMH and the Family Health Team. After a distinguished medical career in Tehran, Iran, Dr. Keshoofy moved to Alliston in October 2006, where he joined SMH as a member of the Department of General Surgery. He served as a chief of surgery for three years, as well as served as a co-chair of the Quality and Patient Safety Committee, while maintaining a private office within the Alliston community. Dr. Keshoofy’s commitment to medical research and innovation shines through in programs such as being the co-founder of the Multidisciplinary Dermatology Centre, which Dr. Keshoofy opened in 2013. The centre, which provides dermatology services to the residents of Simcoe County, was a direct response to a considerable rise in local skin cancer incidents. Both physicians acknowledged the legacy of Dr. MacIntyre, and thanked Dr. Trevor Hunt, former chief of staff at SMH, for helping them grow professionally and helping them adjust to practicing at the hospital. Click here to access the Barrie Today article.
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Marathon FHT ED named Executive of the Year for Influential Women of Northern Ontario Awards
Influential Women of Northern Ontario profile published in 2017. Profile in full pasted below. By Influential Women of Northern Ontario
Executive of the Year – Marathon
Joanne Berube
In Marathon, groupthink is a good thing. Team-based decisions that set the daily direction to deliver the best primary care possible to North Shore residents are the hallmarks of Joanne Berube and the Marathon Family Health Team. Since her arrival from Hamilton in 1999, the dedicated executive director is regarded by her award nominators as a stabilizing force and is heralded for developing a workplace culture of continuous quality improvement in health care. “I wasn’t born and raised in Marathon but I certainly feel this community is my home. I feel I belong here,” said Berube. Known for her strong work ethic and wide-ranging skill set, Berube’s nominators call her the “main architect” in the evolution of the health team that’s achieved recruiting success and populated their professional roster with nurses, a dietitian, social worker, epidemiologist and other support staff. In 2009, the Marathon Family Health Team received the Family Practice of the Year Award from the Ontario College of Family Physicians, recognizing its accomplishments and innovation in rural delivery. For Berube, success is difficult to measure. “I asked myself: can I foresee that what we’re doing is sustainable for the future? Yes, I can.” It’s built on an interdisciplinary medical team that works together and is backed by an innovative and entrepreneurial-minded administrative team that’s committed to a higher quality of care. Prior to her arrival in the town of 3,200, the lack of physicians threatened to close the local hospital. A small group practice was established and Berube was brought in handle its administration, freeing up the medical staff to focus on patient care. “That was great for me because I love the operational aspect of primary care. We were growing this facility around what their vision was of having an ideal practice.” A key driver is their daily adherence to consensusbased decision making. “The model is evident at all our meetings. We set the direction for where we want to go and we all agree to that,” said Berube. “If we’ve decided that this is right for our community, it’s right for our patients, and it’s right for our staff, then we’re all committed to make it a success.” Fully embracing the small town life means volunteering at the humane society, working on economic development projects, and helping organize the popular Summer Festival. “If I can help out in some way, I love to do that,” said Berube. “I really direct my passion toward health care, which is where I’m comfortable.” Six years ago, Berube became a patient for the first time. The diagnosis of Stage 3 breast cancer led to a double mastectomy, followed by months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments both in Marathon and Thunder Bay, four hours away. Armed with a laptop, she worked through her ordeal, sometimes remotely, providing inspirational leadership to her colleagues. The experience gave her a fresh perspective and greater appreciation of the health team. It underscored the importance of retaining vital services and made her question what more can be done to provide more community supports for patients who have to travel out of town. “That was the big message, the struggles our residents will face if they have to travel to access care.” An accepted fact of life is that recruiting and retaining health-care professionals will always be a nagging challenge in Marathon. It’s something she’s learned to accept as people move on with new career paths. “Are you able to easily adapt to those changes and incorporate that into the bigger picture? Having that ability to adapt, to change, even on a dime, and still follow in the direction you want to go, is what you want to offer.” Click here to access a list of other 2017 Influential Women of Northern Ontario award recipients.
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AFHTO 2017 Conference: Presentation notifications sent out
Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract for concurrent session and poster presentations at the AFHTO 2017 Conference. The working groups have now reviewed all submissions and a notification e-mail has been sent to each contact person. If you are part of a group that has prepared an abstract, please ensure your group contact has received an e-mail including the words “AFHTO 2017 Conference” in the subject on June 5th, 2017. If your contact person has NOT received this notification, please contact info@afhto.ca before Friday, June 9, 2017. The notification e-mail is your assurance that your abstract has been reviewed by a working group for presentation at the conference and a decision made. The program with all concurrent session descriptions will be announced when registration opens in late June 2017.
We look forward to seeing you at the AFHTO 2017 Conference! Improving Primary Care Together October 25 & 26, 2017 Westin Harbour Castle, One Harbour Square, Toronto
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AFHTO 2017 Conference: Deadline to submit abstracts extended to tomorrow, May 9 at 9 AM!
Revised due date to submit abstracts for concurrent sessions and posters is tomorrow, May 9 at 9:00 AM
These past few weeks have been a busy period for AFHTO members and primary care as a whole. Given the demands on your time, we’ve responded by extending the deadline to submit abstracts for the AFHTO 2017 Conference “Improving Primary Care Together” on October 25 & 26, 2017.
We want to hear what’s worked for you. Don’t wait to impart your lessons learned, your tips and experiences to colleagues from all across the province under 7 core themes:
1. Effective leadership and governance for system transformation 2. Planning programs for equitable access to care 3. Employing and empowering the patient and caregiver perspective 4. Strengthening partnerships 5. Optimizing use of resources 6. Using data to demonstrate value and improve quality of care 7. Clinical innovations for specific populations All are welcome. Please pass this along to your peers, colleagues and network including those from other healthcare sectors, non-profits, and the academic and research communities. Email info@afhto.ca or call 647-234-8605x 200 if you have any questions. We’re here to help. Helpful links for building your abstract: Helpful links for building your abstract:
- “What Attendees Really Want” webinar video and slides (2016)
- Review the submission guidelines
- Abstract submission tip sheet (2016)
- Conference theme descriptions
- Take a look at past concurrent session descriptions to see what a successful abstract looks like
- Submit your abstract online by May 8, 2017
Reduced registration fee for concurrent session presenters: For each approved concurrent session, up to 2 presenters will each be granted a $50 discount off the conference registration fee. Additional discounts apply for patients presenting at the conference. (Discount doesn’t apply for poster displays.)
Conference key dates (updated):
- April 6, 2017
Applications for concurrent session and poster abstracts open - May 9, 2017
Deadline to submit concurrent session and poster abstract - Late June 2017
Conference registration opens - October 25 & 26, 2017
AFHTO 2017 Conference -
AFHTO 2017 Conference: ONE WEEK LEFT to submit your abstract. Your insight & experience are needed now more than ever.
Improving Primary Care Together
Last week’s announcement by the Ontario government was welcome news but it also highlights how much the healthcare landscape continues to change. Help your peers navigate these changes by sharing your insight & experience with them. Colleagues from other healthcare sectors, non-profits, and the academic community will also be there, all eager to hear about tools and methods to improve primary care in our 7 core themes:
The deadline to submit abstracts for concurrent sessions and posters is next Monday, May 8, 2017 at 9:00 am (EST).
Helpful links for building your abstract:
- “What Attendees Really Want” webinar video and slides (2016)
- Review the submission guidelines
- Abstract submission tip sheet (2016)
- Conference theme descriptions
- Take a look at past concurrent session descriptions to see what a successful abstract looks like
- Submit your abstract online by May 8, 2017
Conference key dates
- April 6, 2017 Applications for concurrent session and poster abstracts open
- May 8, 2017 Deadline to submit concurrent session and poster abstract
- Late June 2017 Conference registration opens
- October 25 & 26, 2017 AFHTO 2017 Conference
If you have any questions about the submission process or want to know if your work is a good fit, email info@afhto.ca or call 647-234-8605x 200. We’d be happy to help.
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Ontario government makes new commitment to strengthening interprofessional primary care
Today, the Ontario government announced new investments in interprofessional primary care. In the 2017 Ontario Budget, the Wynne government committed $145 million in addition to the $85 million announced last year.
- The government is “investing an additional $145 million over the next 3 years to effectively recruit and retain nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, pharmacists, reception staff and other care providers who provide valuable services alongside family doctors on these teams. This is in addition to the $85 million in investments in interprofessional teams announced in the 2016 budget.”
- In addition to the base funding increases, the government has promised to expand access to interprofessional teams: “In 2017, Ontario will invest an additional $15 million annualized in team-based primary care to create new or expand existing interprofessional care teams so that all 76 sub regions across the province have a team.”
The Association of Ontario Health Centres (AOHC), the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) and the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO) appreciate this financial commitment. This investment will help address recruitment and retention challenges, build strong interprofessional primary care teams and ensure high-quality, people-centred primary health care delivery in Ontario. The new retention and recruitment investment will be implemented over 3 years and will mean $73 million annualized by 2019-2020. In addition to the $9.5 million per year announced in the 2016 budget, this means approximately:
- A total of $24 million in annualized funding in 2017-2018
- A total of $48 million in annualized funding by 2018-2019
- A total of $73 million in annualized funding by 2019-2020
The three associations will be working with the Ministry over the next few weeks to work out the details of this funding and to flow the money as quickly as possible. We will also be conducting a market refresh for 2017 rates to inform our Phase Three campaign to narrow the gap to current rates. “In Phase One of our recruitment and retention campaign, we achieved $31.5 million annualized for interprofessional primary health care teams. In Phase Two, we have achieved another $73 million annualized. Together, this brings us to over $100 million annualized in our quest for fair compensation,” said Kavita Mehta, AFHTO CEO. “While it came short of our campaign ask, the new investment would not have been possible without the active participation of our members, who have spent the last few months writing letters, collecting petitions and meeting with their MPPs.” The new investment moves us closer to $130 million needed to bring over 7,500 health care professionals working in over 400 interprofessional primary health care teams to competitive rates. This will significantly address the gap with hospitals, Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) and public health and to address retention and recruitment challenges faced by interprofessional primary care organizations. “New funding for interprofessional primary care is a welcome step, but additional investments are required to achieve Minister Hoskins’ vision as articulated in Patients First. Today’s announcement is welcome news for primary care teams and the millions of Ontarians they serve,” said NPAO CEO Theresa Agnew. “The investments in this year’s health budget signal the government’s growing recognition that primary care is the foundation of our health system. We are pleased to see this new funding, especially in the context of other health announcements that impact the determinants of community health and wellbeing,” said Adrianna Tetley, AOHC CEO. AFHTO, AOHC and NPAO are gearing up for the work ahead. We will continue working together to bring all staff working in interprofessional primary care teams to competitive salary rates, and to ensure that people in Ontario have access to comprehensive, interprofessional, team-based care. We will keep members informed of any future developments. More in-depth budget analyses from each association will be available by Monday, May 1. Sincerely,
Adrianna Tetley
Association of Ontario Health Centres
Kavita Mehta
Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario
Theresa Agnew
Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario
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AFHTO 2017 Conference: help available for abstract submission
Interested in submitting a poster or concurrent session abstract for the AFHTO 2017 Conference but not sure how to proceed? Help is available!
Over the years, with feedback from our conference working groups and attendees, we’ve learned what makes an abstract stand out from the crowd. Below is a list of resources to help you, including our 2016 “What Attendees Really Want” webinar, which explains exactly how submissions are evaluated and guides you through the submission process. All are welcome. Please pass this along to your peers, colleagues and network including those from other healthcare sectors, non-profits, and the academic and research communities. The deadline to submit abstracts for concurrent sessions and posters is May 8, 2017 at 9:00 am (EST). Helpful links for building your abstract:
- “What Attendees Really Want” webinar video and slides (2016)
- Review the submission guidelines
- Abstract submission tip sheet (2016)
- Conference theme descriptions
- Take a look at past concurrent session descriptions to see what a successful abstract looks like
- Submit your abstract online by May 8, 2017
Still not sure if your work is a good fit? Feel free to ask us! Email info@afhto.ca or call 647-234-8605x 200. We’d be happy to help. Reduced registration fee for concurrent session presenters: For each approved concurrent session, up to 2 presenters will each be granted a $50 discount off the conference registration fee. Additional discounts apply for patients presenting at the conference. (Discount doesn’t apply for poster displays.)
Conference key dates
- April 6, 2017 Applications for concurrent session and poster abstracts open
- May 8, 2017 Deadline to submit concurrent session and poster abstract
- Late June 2017 Conference registration opens
- October 25 & 26, 2017 AFHTO 2017 Conference
