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Tag: members in the media

  • Northeastern Manitoulin FHT retains Opioid replacement therapy program

    Manitoulin Expositor  article published August 14, 2019

    By Michael Erskine, The Manitoulin Expositor

    Mindemoya clinic will be considered to better serve the needs of Central, West End patients

    MANITOULIN – Sometimes trying to do a good deed can backfire with unintended consequences and so it seems to have been the case with a recent “good will” consultation held with members of the Central Manitoulin municipal council to provide a heads up on efforts to improve access to those living with addictions in the West End of Manitoulin.

    Subsequent to the council presentation by a representative of Dr. Suman Koka’s clinic in Mindemoya as the potential host for an additional Manitoulin opioid replacement therapy program, a flurry of misinformation exploded on social media, including suggestions that the current program taking place in Little Current would be pulling up stakes and moving to Central Manitoulin. According to Northeastern Manitoulin Family Health Team manager Judy Miller, also the spokesperson for Dr. Suman Koka of the Northwood Recovery’s Island operations, that is emphatically not the case.

    “We are not closing Little Current,” she said.

    Currently there are programs running in Wiikwemkoong, M’Chigeeng and Little Current to assist those dealing with addictions and those residing in the rest of the Island can self refer to the program at the Northeastern Manitoulin Family Health Team. While there are discussions planned with the steering committee overseeing addictions services on Manitoulin on how to improve access for those residing in the western portion of the Island, those discussions, while scheduled, have not yet taken place, let alone settled on a plan for improved access—Facebook reports notwithstanding.

    “People can still self refer to Wiikwemkoong and M’Chigeeng and everyone else can contact the Northeast Manitoulin Family Health Team,” said Ms. Miller.

    The issue of opioid addiction is still a major challenge on Manitoulin, admitted Ms. Miller, but the success of the program has been nothing short of outstanding. “Of the 140 cases originally left stranded when the Toronto company (that previously offered opioid replacement therapy on Manitoulin) pulled out, 83 percent are stabilized on suboxone, have their families back, their jobs back,” she said.

    With the current system of treatment program placement, most of those tackling their opioid addictions are able to do so in an atmosphere that not only protects their privacy, but ensures that they are not subjected to the societal stigma attached to addictions.

    The steering committee dealing with the access to addiction treatment on Manitoulin consists of the executive directors of the health centres, family health teams and Dr. Koka.

    Those struggling with addiction issues are urged to contact their local health centre or the Northeastern Manitoulin Family Health Team to learn more about the support services in place to provide assistance. This newspaper will be reporting on any planned expansion or increased access plans as that information becomes available—those currently managing their lives thanks to the current programs are urged to disregard any social media commentary regarding those programs.

    Click here to access the complete Manitoulin Expositor article

  • City of Kawartha Lakes FHT Celebrates grant for Seniors’ Play Park in Fenelon Falls

    Lindsay Advocate article published July 4, 2019

    By Laurie Scott, The Lambton Shield

    Local MPP Laurie Scott participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for Ontario’s first Seniors’ Play Park, which is about to be built in Fenelon Falls. Thanks to the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team receiving a $121,600 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation earlier this year, the park is on its way to becoming a reality. 

    “I am pleased that the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team has been awarded a $121,600 grant to build the first Play Park in Fenelon Falls,” said Scott. “By providing a free and accessible recreational space for seniors, this is an investment in the promotion of social and active lifestyles.”

    The creation of a Seniors’ Play Park for Fenelon Falls is the initiative of local resident Penni Holdham. The basic idea behind designing outdoor gyms and play areas for older adults or those with mobility challenges is to help improve people’s overall health and fitness and reduce isolation. The park, located at the Lloyd Kelly Parkette behind the Red Apple, will provide 24/7 outdoor space with activity stations that have no barriers to access.

    “We are very proud to deliver the first Seniors’ Play Park in our area, generously funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Penni Holdham.

    The most recent population data available indicates that 50 per cent of people living in Fenelon Falls are over 55 years of age. Seniors Play Parks are designed for older adults looking to safely maintain their flexibility, agility and mobility through use of low-impact equipment geared for gentle exercise while enjoying time with friends. It’s expected that the park will be an outdoor recreational space where seniors can engage in a range of stretching and balancing activities using the onsite, fun and easy-to-use activity stations. There will be no fees or set hours to use the park and all activities are self-guided.

    “We are pleased to help provide opportunities for local seniors to stay active and socialize,” said Mike Perry, Executive Director of the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team. “There are great health – and health care cost savings – benefits to keeping active and this kind of park really has great potential.”

    The City of Kawartha Lakes municipality approved the park to be used for this purpose and will be taking care of its maintenance for the coming years. The park is scheduled to open this fall.

    The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded more than $108 million to some 629 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.  For more information, please visit: www.otf.ca

     

    Click here to access the complete Lindsay Advocate article

  • Owen Sound FHT holds ‘Adulting’ focused seminar for youth

    Owen Sound Sun Times article published on July 4, 2019

    By Patrick Spencer, The Owen Sound Sun Times

    How do I make a budget? What should I cook for one? How do I book a doctor’s appointment?

    A network of health professionals say these are questions youth often ask themselves the first time they leave home – but the answers aren’t always obvious, and they might be embarrassed to ask for them.

    Now, the Owen Sound Family Health Team has created a seminar that aims to provide them.

    “Adulting 101” is a free, one-day learning symposium designed to help young people navigate life away from home.

    “It’s for people moving off on their own who might end up struggling,” said Rona Cobean, program and services manager at the Family Health Team. “We’re going to try and prevent those panicked conversations with parents. It’s a non-judgmental way young people can learn.”

    Cobean said the idea for it came about when another health group in Owen Sound floated the idea of a cooking class for university-bound youth.

    “That morphed into something that focused on more life skills,” she said.

    Participants will learn from trained professionals about budgeting and finances, nutrition, health and wellness, and how to navigate the health care system. Two registered dietitians, an occupational therapist, a registered nurse and a financial advisor will be presenting advice and “life hacks” on these topics.

    “Parents do teach, but kids don’t always listen to their parents as much as they listen to a professional,” said Carol Holland, a registered dietitian at the health team who will teach at the seminar. “It’s not a comment on families that don’t know this stuff, though.”

    She added some parents may not have gone to university or college, and therefore can’t share what the experience was like with their children.

    Professionals can also help avoid the pitfalls of misinformation.

    “We are able to present solid evidence-based healthy eating strategies, where other folks might not be able to. With so much information on the internet, it’s hard to tell what’s good advice and what isn’t.”

    Part of Holland’s presentation will be a hands-on demonstration of how to cook for one in a dorm room. The participants will eat what they make for lunch. The simple, budget-friendly meals will sustain energy and focus, she said.

    Stress-management is another aspect of the seminar.

    Tatum Bell, an occupational therapist at the health team, said in an interview that it’s important people get these skills early in life to avoid problems down the road. Bell will be teaching time and sleep-management strategies, on top of other stress-reducing techniques.

    A member of the Grey Bruce Health Unit will also be present to teach methods of harm reduction.

    Cobean said they hope to take in about 20 people for the first seminar, but if it’s a success, they plan to hold another later in the year for students who are starting in the winter semester.

    The seminar comes at a time when life skills have been on the mind of the provincial government as well. It has been widely reported that the Grade 10 curriculum will include a greater focus on financial literacy, including tasks such as budgeting for the first year of university.

    “Adulting 101” is scheduled for August 1, 2019 and runs from 9 a.m.  to 3 p.m. at the Owen Sound Family Health Team building at 1415 1st Ave. W.

    You can sign up by calling 519-470-3030 ext. 103.

    Click here to access the Owen Sound Sun Times article

  • Marathon FHT celebrates community’s win on Ontario’s most-active list

    CBC, Thunder Bay article published June 27, 2019

    By CBC News, CBC Thunder Bay

    Town on north shore of Lake Superior is regional winner in national active living challenge

    The Town of Marathon has been named Ontario’s most-active community in a national contest to get Canadians moving more and sitting less.

    The town of about 3,200 people, nestled on the north shore of Lake Superior, claims $20,000 as a regional winner in the 2019 ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge, which asked people to log their physical activity between May 31 and June 16.

    “We were able to accumulate over 1.8 million activity minutes,” said Michele Lajeunesse, community health promotion coordinator at the Marathon Family Health Team. “That’s equivalent to 32,000 hours, and 1,300 days of physical activity.”

    “We did all that in 17 days.”

    Individuals and groups — including schools and workplaces — could participate in the contest. In a media release, Participaction noted a number of events, including Game Day, the Marathon Annual School Pow Wow, and the Children’s Elementary School Road Race, all contributed to Marathon’s total.

    “I think it’s a real celebration of the way in which Marathon, and Biigtigong First Nation, one of our neighbouring First Nation communities, have really embraced movement and physical activity as part of how they take care of their health,” said Dr. Sarah Newbery, a family physician with the Marathon Family Health Team.

    Lajeunesse said the challenge also helped promote the physical activity opportunities available in Marathon.

    “These types of activities are available all-year long,” she said. “We just hope that this challenge, and that this recognition, is going to encourage our community members to continue pursuing activity as part of improving their health.”

    Two years to spend prize money
    Marathon now has one year to submit a proposal to ParticipACTION outlining how the money will be spent.  The prize money must be used within two years on projects that promote active living.

    “Our goal is really just to try to do something that’s going to have the most impact for the majority of our population,” Lajeunesse said. “So, in the next couple of weeks, we really look forward to working with our community members, and our community partners, as well, just to make a decision on how we can spend this $20,000.”

    Click here for the complete CBC News, Thunder Bay article.

     

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  • Espanola and Area FHT’s Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic Grand Opening

     

    Manitoulin Expositor article published June 12, 2019

    By Press Release, Manitoulin Expositor

    Increasing Access and Coordination of Addiction Treatment for People in Espanola

    June 11, 2019 – People in the Espanola area are now receiving more timely medical treatment for substance use disorders closer to home.

    The Espanola Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic, based in the Espanola and Area Family Health Team, had its grand opening on Tuesday to introduce patients and partners to its location on the Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre campus as well as to share information about the service. The clinic provides expedited, barrier-free treatment for patients who have a substance use disorders, particularly with alcohol or opioid use.

    The RAAM clinic is part of the North East Local Health Integration Network’s (North East LHIN) Regional Opioid Strategy, designed to meet the rising rates of opioid use disorder, accidental overdoses, hospitalizations, and hospital emergency room visits across Northeastern Ontario. The strategy was developed by the Regional Mental Health and Addiction Advisory Council which continues to work with local mental health and addiction planning tables across the region to support implementation, ensuring Northerners have timely and equitable access to care.

    How the Espanola RAAM Clinic Works

    The RAAM clinic is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, weekdays; it welcomes walk-ins or calls to find out more about its services (705-862-7991 ext. 4245). No referral is necessary, although referrals from doctors, nurses, social workers, addiction counselors, and community providers are certainly accepted. Patients will be seen by an Addiction Worker within 24-48 hours after calling the clinic or after referral. They will then be seen by the Addiction Specialist to create and implement a treatment and medication plan. Through the RAAM clinic, patients can also access addiction counselling, case management and receive assistance in securing residential treatment services. 

    The RAAM model is designed to initiate therapy for Substance Use Disorders, primarily opioid or alcohol use, and then transition clients to the most appropriate ongoing care provider. It is not intended to replace or duplicate the care provided by a primary care provider.

    Espanola’s RAAM clinic is unique in that it is based on a strong collaboration between the Family Health Team and the hospital, as well as the Espanola & Area Mental Health / Addictions Community of Care Planning Network made up of more than 20 agencies.

    The North East LHIN’s Strategy uses a “hub and spoke” model, in which larger RAAM Clinics are located within each sub-region’s urban centre (the hub) with links (spokes) to outlying areas. The Espanola RAAM Clinic is a “spoke” site connected to a hub in Sudbury, operated by Health Sciences North.

     

    Click here to view the complete Manitoulin Expositor article.

  • Couchiching FHT & Orillia group makes pitch to form Ontario Health Team

    Collingwood Today article published May 27, 2019

    By Orillia Matters Staff, Collingwood Today

    If past success is any indicator, local organizations seeking to establish an Ontario Health Team (OHT) in Orillia have an excellent track record of collaboration to showcase in their application.

    As part of sweeping changes to the Ontario health care system prompted by the new People’s Health Care Act, local health organizations across the province are coming together to submit proposals illustrating how they can provide services under the structure of a local OHT.

    As many as 50 OHTs could be approved across Ontario in the coming years, which will eventually result in the phasing out of Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs).

    Orillia and area includes broad representation from primary care, long term care, hospitals and municipalities with a clear message that ‘we are ready and capable of engaging in this health system transformation’.

    “This new model is a natural fit for everyone at the table. We’ve been working in partnership in the best interest of patients for several years,” said Dr. Kim McIntosh.

    The Couchiching Regional Planning Table has engaged over 20 community agencies to complete the self assessment process.

    This includes a formal alliance with The Couchiching Family Health Team, County of Simcoe, Huronia Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic, Helping Hands, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, ProResp and Care Partners. Continous engagement with these and other agencies will guide us through the next steps of the OHT process.

    “The Couchiching Sub Region has been actively moving toward an integrated health system and exemplifies trusting patient and provider partnerships, coordination of care, measured performance and quality improvement,” said Lynne Davies, Executive Director of the Couchiching Family Health Team.

    Davies points out that “health leaders across Orillia and area are genuinely excited about the opportunities that the establishment of an OHT will bring to patients and families.”

    “OSMH is pleased to participate in this important exercise and we are committed to continuing our partnerships with local health care providers to ensure its success,” said Carmine Stumpo, OSMH President and CEO.

    “It is great to see local leaders joining together for the betterment of our community and our families’ health” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North.

    “Meaningful change in our healthcare begins and ends with improved frontline services. I look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with these local groups to ensure the families of our region have integrated and better connected public healthcare,” Dunlop added.

    The province will invite select groups to submit a more in-depth application by July 12.

    The first Ontario Health Teams will be announced in the fall.

     

    Click here to view the complete Collingwood Today article.
     

  • Rapids FHT Opens Their Access to Care Centre

    Article by the Lambton Shield

    By Editorial Staff, The Lambton Shield

    A greatly expanded suite of services at the newly renovated medical building at 481 London Road in Sarnia is receiving kudos in the community for its ability to reduce the burden on the emergency department at Bluewater Health.

    So says Lynn Laidler, executive director of the Rapids Family Health Team, which on Wednesday hosted a ribbon cutting/grand opening of its Access to Care Centre as part of the Bluewater Medical Clinic.

    Services such as medical imaging, Bluewater Pharmacy, LifeLabs, medical supplies, cardiology, cannabinoid medicine, and OB-GYN services are now available at the facility, which is home to some 20 family doctors and nurse practitioners.

    “We believe we have greatly improved the healthcare access and quality of care to residents of Lambton County,” said Laidler.

    Patients who are experiencing conditions such as ear infections, urinary tract infections, and stomach conditions can be seen by a nurse practitioner between 8;30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

    The Sarnia Physicians Group operates its After Hours Clinic between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.

     

    Click here to access the complete Lambton Shield article

  • Kawartha North FHT & Kawartha Lakes groups discuss forming Ontario Health Team

    My Kawartha Lakes article published Tuesday, May 14th, 2019

    By My Kawartha Lakes

     

    Health care agencies embark on joint self-assessment plan to capitalize on existing partnerships ahead of provincial changes

    Several health care organizations in the City of Kawartha Lakes are discussing the formation of a local Ontario Health Team to better co-ordinate care and services for local residents.

    On Feb. 26, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announced plans to better connect the health care system by implementing Ontario Health Teams. Ontario Health Teams are groups of providers and organizations that are clinically and fiscally accountable for delivering a full and co-ordinated continuum of care to a defined geographic population.

    Community Care Health and Care Network, City of Kawartha Lakes, Kawartha North Family Health Team, Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge, Extendicare Kawartha Lakes and Lakeland Village and the Ross Memorial Hospital are preparing a joint self-assessment to potentially form a local team.

    These organizations have long partnered to serve their shared communities. They currently run joint programs and services under various formal agreements and memoranda of understanding. If approved, the locally developed Team would build on existing partnerships to provide seamless and co-ordinated care for local residents.  

    If the self-assessment is approved, the team will focus initially on enhancing co-ordinated care and services to a target population that includes seniors over 65 years who live alone or have a poor support network, who are frail, with complex medical needs or mental health or addictions issues who find it hard to navigate the health-care system, and who have been hospitalized within the last year. Over time, the scope of care and services as well as the patient/client/resident focus would expand.

    The self-assessment will be submitted by May 15. The ministry will invite those that are ready, to submit a detailed application. The first phase of Ontario Health Team implementation is planned for the fall.

     

    Click here to view the complete My Kawartha article.

  • Essex County NPLC’s Peer-led Workshop Walks through Diabetic Foot Complication Prevention

    The Windsor Star article published on May 9, 2019

    By Katie Jacobs, the Windsor Star

     

    Windsor experts are taking steps to teach people with diabetes how to properly care for their feet.

    The Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You workshop was led by two peers at the Essex County Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic at the Gino Marcus Community Centre on Drouillard Road on Wednesday.

    It is a 2 1/2-hour course developed by Diabetic Foot Canada that discusses diabetic foot management by being aware of changes in one’s feet — like bone structure, deformities, sores, loss of sensation and temperature.

    Carrie White, a diabetic foot care nurse at ECNPLC, said people with diabetes don’t normally seek help for their feet until there is an issue.

    “Our feet is the most important things we have, they are going to hold us for the rest of our life,” White said. “Unfortunately with diabetes, majority of the problems start in your feet. So if we can keep our feet healthy, it will help them keep the deformities at bay.”

    Peer leader Geri Robitaille, who has diabetes herself, also teaches a six-week Master your Health course since 2011.

    Robitaille said monitoring feet helps avoid serious infections.

    “If it’s unattended and it gets infected, then gangrene can set in and it could lead to amputations and further complications, so this course is to teach people how to look out for that,” Robitaille said.

    For people with diabetes, foot complications are common because of poor circulation. Without assessing ulcers, calluses, fungus, deformity, numbness or proper footwear, some feet could be amputated.

    However, White said eight out of 10 amputations can be avoided through proper attention.

    “My grandfather lost his leg from complications,” White said. “Since then, I want to help people to prevent that from happening, and I just want them to know how easy it is to prevent it from happening.”

    The workshop featured a slideshow presentation and discussions about foot screening — up-keeping feet like trimming toenails — and resources for finding foot care specialists. It also taught how to self-advocate one’s care, such as asking for professionally fitted shoes or taking off shoes and socks before a nurse or doctor walks in for a check-up.

    “My mother had diabetes for a long time, and she was in denial for a long time, and she had some very bad complications,” Robitaille said. “It was hard for my mom, and if I can just help one person, then that makes what I’m doing worthwhile.”

     

    Click here to access the complete Windsor Star article.

  • St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHT Physician prescribes money to low-income patients: Vox interview

    Vox article published on May 3, 2019

    By Sigal Samuel, Vox

    Gary Bloch became a doctor because he wanted to help people who were less privileged than him. For years, he tried his best to treat patients coping with poverty and homelessness.

    But no matter how many blood tests he ordered and prescriptions he wrote, many of his patients’ health problems persisted. He realized it was because he wasn’t addressing the issue that most plagued them: poverty.

    So in 2005, instead of prescribing only medication, he started developing the concept of prescribing money. And for the past 10 years, he’s been putting that concept into practice.

    In concrete terms, that means that Bloch connects his patients to ways of boosting their income, like applying for welfare or disability support. Often, it means guiding patients to fill out their tax forms so they can access government benefits. Is it a doctor’s responsibility to do this? Yes, Bloch says, because if you don’t treat the social determinants of health (like income and housing), you’re not actually doing what you can to ensure your patients get healthier.

    Similar to the notion behind universal basic income, the idea here is that if you really want to help people, the most effective starting point might be to simply give them more money.

    As a family doctor at St. Michael’s Hospital Academic Family Health Team in Toronto, Bloch hasn’t contented himself with prescribing income in one-on-one appointments: He’s also been pushing for broader social policy change. Treating individuals’ poverty may be a good step, but he wants to see systemic change, including a more robust social assistance program. In 2016, he was appointed to an Ontario government commission tasked with creating a 10-year road map to income security for the province (you can read the resulting recommendations here).

    Although some doctors have told him they just don’t have the time or resources to prescribe money, Bloch says he’s gotten an overwhelmingly positive response from across Canada and beyond.

    Click here to access the complete interview transcript & article on Vox.