Bits & Pieces: Bright Lights now open and more
Your Biweekly News & Updates In This Issue Spotlight primary care excellence – AFHTO Bright Lights Awards nominations now open Ontario makes preliminary announcement on the results of the call for primary care expansion Get an additional 10% discount off UpToDate until July 15 Measles memo to health care providers & FAQ Canada Health […]
6 Days Left. Submit Your Abstract by June 16!
Submit your abstract- deadline June 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM (EDT) The countdown is on. Abstracts due June 16 at 5:00 PM (EDT). If you’ve got an idea, insight, or innovation, now is the time to share it. Don’t wait. Submit your abstract for #AFHTO2025 today. Whether you’re in primary care, public […]
Got a bold idea? Submit your “Wild Card” abstract for AFHTO’s 2025 Conference by June 16!
Wild cards welcome to AFHTO 2025 Power of Primary Care Conference Every year we receive brilliant abstracts that defy categorization, and we welcome them. That’s why we created the Wild Card category under the conference theme: Meeting Needs, Advancing Equity: The Power of Comprehensive, Patient-Partnered Care. Instead of shoehorning them into a theme that […]
Call for abstracts – AFHTO’s The Power of Primary Care
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS NOW OPEN This is more than a showcase. It’s a design session for the future. Ontario’s primary care system is under a spotlight — and finally, under serious consideration. Investments are coming. Expectations are rising. And the window to shape what’s next is wide open. The Power of Primary Care is […]
Ingersoll NPLC and Thamesvalley FHT improve access for unattached patients
Sentinel Review published an article on May 15, 2025 By Jacob Robinson The new Roulston’s Pharmacy location in Tillsonburg has been selected to house the Oxford Ontario Health Team’s unattached care clinic. The clinic — located at 671 Broadway St, Unit 112 — is designed to support residents without access or unattached to a family […]
FAQ for Proposals Round 1 from AFHTO
Dear AFHTO EDs, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians, Since the Ministry of Health’s release of the Call for Proposals last week, AFHTO has been taking note of the most common questions from members. To support you, we are providing a detailed FAQ below, based on the most frequently asked questions and clarifications requested by members. […]
AFHTO welcomes important step toward achieving team-based primary care for all Ontarians
April 11, 2025 The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) congratulates the Ministry of Health on yesterday’s important step toward achieving team-based primary care for everyone in the province. The Government of Ontario’s newly announced call for proposals for Interprofessional Primary Care Teams will help connect 300,000 more people to family doctors and […]
Important Information on Primary Care Expansion Proposal Process
Dear Executive Directors, Board Chairs, and Clinical Leads, We’re writing to share key information from the Ministry of Health’s technical briefing held earlier today on the new Call for Proposals for Interprofessional Primary Care Teams. For those of you who were unable to attend the technical briefing, you can reach out to your Ontario Health […]
Ontario Launches New Call for Proposals for Expanding Access to Team-Based Primary Care
Dear Executive Directors, Board Chairs, and Lead Clinicians, I’m pleased to share important news that aligns with our shared mission to strengthen and expand access to comprehensive, team-based primary care. This morning, the Government of Ontario announced a new Call for Proposals for Interprofessional Primary Care Teams, as part of its plan to connect up […]
Minister of Health Sylvia Jones helps celebrate five years of RC VTAC with Petawawa Centennial FHT
County of Renfrew published an article on Mar 31, 2025 A made-in-Renfrew-County solution to address health-care needs in response to COVID-19, launched mere days after the declaration of the global pandemic, has marked its fifth anniversary as it continues to evolve to provide impactful service for residents who do not have access to primary care. […]
Bits & Pieces: member stories, HPV testing reminders and more
Your Biweekly News & Updates In This Issue Bright Lights in Action- a member’s story Member stories CharityVillage course signup extended to April 18 Important reminders for HPV testing Connect with your peers using AFHTO’s IHP Directory Seeking Black immigrant family physicians for study regarding ethnicity and race in primary health care provision Obesity […]
Elliot Lake Family Health Team to host monthly mammogram bus
Elliott Lake Today published an article on Mar 20, 2025 By Lisa Rene-de-Cotret The Elliot Lake Family Health Team (ELFHT) is excited to announce a new initiative focused on enhancing women’s health in our community. On March 24, 2025, a designated mammogram bus will leave for Sudbury to offer crucial breast cancer screening services to […]
Bits & Pieces: impact of remuneration and incentives and more
Your Biweekly News & Updates In This Issue The impact of remuneration, extrinsic and intrinsic incentives on interprofessional primary care teams: results from a rapid scoping review Social Work Week Reminder- Governance 101 Update and Refresh webinar Mar. 6; PHIPA and Patient Records Retention materials available Member stories Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month Free practice […]
Over 13,000 residents in Frontenac, Lennox and Addington got family doctors in 2024
88.7 myFM News published an article on Feb 13, 2025 By Emily Chatwood More than 13,000 people in Frontenac, Lennox and Addington were connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner in 2024, surpassing the original goal of 9,000. The Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Ontario Health Team (FLA OHT) says this is a major step […]
Summerville FHT partnered with Mississauga OHT opens clinic to alleviate ER pressures
Mississauga News published an article on Jan 27, 2025 By News Room Keep children out of hospitals. That’s the goal of a Mississauga pediatric clinic led by nurse practitioners. “There are options other than going to emerge,” said Sharon St. Germain, operations manager at Summerville Family Health Team, which partnered with the Mississauga Ontario Health […]
Couchiching Family Health Team, New Path Youth & Family Services, And CFS Counselling + Wellbeing Launch Coordinated Walk-In Mental Health Support
Muskoka 411 published an article on Feb 9, 2025 By News Room In a significant step towards prioritizing mental health in the Couchiching community, Couchiching Family Health Team, New Path Youth & Family Services, and CFS Counselling + Wellbeing are proud to announce the official launch of their collaborative walk-in mental health counselling services. Starting […]
Bits & Pieces: apply for Leadership Council and more
Your Biweekly News & Updates In This Issue Apply to join AFHTO’s Leadership Council! Member stories New cervical screening test in Ontario Discount for 101 Series: An Introduction to Medical-Legal Issues for Health Care Providers News and updates including provincial health plans to cover primary care by nurse practitioners Ontario cancer and renal plans […]
Kincardine FHT opens renovated medical and childcare centre in Ripley
Kincardine News published an article on Jan 5, 2025 By Kincardine News The newly renovated Ripley Medical and Childcare Centre is now fully operational and ready to serve the community. “The grand opening of the Ripley Medical and Childcare Centre represents a pivotal moment for our community. It reinforces our commitment to accessible healthcare and […]
Queen’s Family Health Team awarded $100K grant to connect patients to primary care
Global News published an article on Dec 19, 2024 By Paul Soucy The Queen’s Family Health Team has been awarded $100,000 through the City of Kingston’s Primary Care Clinic Expansion Grant to help attach 1,200 unattached patients to primary care services. The grant was presented last week by city councillors Brandon Tozzo and Gregory Ridge. […]
‘It’s getting dire’: Community clinics urge province to address wage gap
Stratford Beacon Herald published an article on Nov 06, 2024 By Bill Atwood ‘This growing wage gap is causing unprecedented staffing shortages, impacting the care Ontarians rely on,’ associations say about wage gap between community health-care providers and hospital employees. Nurse practitioner Beth Cowper-Fung said recruiting employees for her community-based clinic is no longer easy. Cowper-Fung is […]
Huron Perth OHT pilot program provides new primary-care option
Stratford Beacon Herald published an article on Nov 06, 2024 By Bill Atwood Residents in Huron and Perth counties who don’t presently have access to a family doctor now have more options for primary care after the recent launch of the new Unattached Care Clinics by the Huron Perth & Area Ontario Health Team. A […]
Windsor FHT Shines in Social Prescribing at CISP Conference
The recent CISP Conference, held from September 26-27, was a significant gathering, bringing together over 400 attendees from across Canada and the world. Ontario was well represented at the Social Prescribing Impact Awards including: Social Prescribing Connector of the Year: Kelly Conrad (Clinical Manager) at Langs CHC, Natasha Beaudin (Social Prescribing Project Lead at the […]
Temagami Family Health Team holds official opening of healing, reflection and smudging space
Bay Today published an article on October 16, 2024 By Darlene Wroe Temagami Family Health Team recently held the official opening of its healing, reflection and smudging space. The gazebo has been created to provide a comforting area where Indigenous people and others can find calm while they attend themedical clinic, it was explained during […]
Georgina NPLC’s new clinic makes healthcare a breeze for families
York Region Today published an article on October 14 , 2024 By Yoyo Yan A fresh new clinic just for kids is opening its doors in Georgina on Tuesday, thanks to a partnership between the Georgina Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (GNPLC), the Northern York South Simcoe Ontario Health Team (NYSS OHT) and Southlake. Now, families can […]
Elgin Community Health Hub by the Thames Valley Family Health Team accepting new patients
London CTV news published an article on September 20, 2024 By Sean Irvine Elgin County residents desperately seeking family doctors will have a new option as of next week. The Elgin Community Health Hub, operated by the Thames Valley Family Health Team, is accepting new patients to a model where doctors are rarely seen. Instead, […]
AFHTO Applauds Ontario Government’s Commitment to Expanding Primary Care Access
Toronto, ON – July 19, 2024 – The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) applauds the Ontario government’s recent announcement to connect up to 49,000 Toronto residents to primary care teams. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that more Ontarians have access to high-quality, comprehensive primary care services. This announcement follows […]
Province puts up $2.4 million to give better access to primary health care in Windsor-Essex
Stratford Today published an article on July 9, 2024 By Trevor Wilhelm The provincial government says it is spending $2.4 million to launch mobile healthcare services and expand existing clinic teams in Windsor-Essex in a plan to provide more access to primary care providers. The province said the effort will connect almost 9,000 people in Essex […]
HPHA and six health-care partners including Clinton FHT and North Perth FHT unite in accreditation
Stratford Today published an article on July 12, 2024 By Connor Luczka Navigating health care from team to team may be getting a little easier in the region soon. The region’s public-health teams have successfully been accredited together, a major milestone in Canada according to Andrew Williams, CEO of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA). […]
New Harriston Clinic for the Minto-Mapleton FHT celebrates grand opening
Sarnia Today published an article on July 12, 2024 By Ryan Drury The new Harriston Clinic for the Minto-Mapleton Family Health Team celebrated its grand opening on July 12. Many local dignitaries were on hand to help cut the ribbon, including Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae. He says bringing good quality practical healthcare to rural communities […]
2024 Conference Themes
Better Outcomes Together: Empowering Teams for Patient-Centered Care The AFHTO 2024 Conference program is built around 4 core themes. Expanding access to team-based care Supporting the implementation of primary care networks Investing in the digital health of primary care Mental health and addictions Conference Theme Descriptions Download a printable PDF of the theme […]
Mallorytown health clinic from Upper Grand FHT officially opens
Recorder & Times published an article on July 2, 2024 By Sabrina Bedford The first of its kind in the region, a full-scale primary care clinic for residents without a family doctor in Leeds and Grenville is officially open. The clinic, operating out of the Mallorytown Pharmacy and Health Centre on County Road 2, opened […]
OHT launches chronic disease program building on Couchiching FHT’s Successful Heart Clinic
Orilla Matters published an article on June 17, 2024 By OrilliaMatters Staff The Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT) is thrilled to announce the launch of the COHT Chronic Disease Program, a significant step forward in providing comprehensive and integrated care for patients with chronic conditions. This initiative begins with a focus on Congestive Heart Failure […]
Virtual care program moving from Timmins hospital to Timmins Academic FHT
TimminsToday published an article on June 6, 2024 By TimminsToday Staff Family health team taking over program starting June 10 A program connecting outpatients with virtual care is expanding and moving locations. Starting on June 10, the outpatient Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) program is moving from Timmins and District Hospital to the Timmins Academic Family […]
The Community Health Integrated Care Pilot (CHIC) including Rapids FHT aims to keep people away from ER, jail
CKNX News published an article on May 9, 2024 By Josh Boyce Sarnia-Lambton residents struggling with mental health and addiction are being given another treatment option, one that’s more laid back and approachable. A mobile crisis response team will be launched, thanks to $2.5 million in provincial funding, over the next three years. The Community Health Integrated […]
New Perth Family Health Team offers updated healthcare delivery in Perth
Kawartha Now published an article on May 7, 2024 We’re learning more about where funding north of $3 million is headed for Perth Healthcare. It will go to form the Perth Family Health Team, which will provide a myriad of health services under one roof, resulting in more patients gaining access to health care. Health […]
Trent Hills FHT anticipates arrival of nurse practitioner and physician and is currently building patient roster list for Campbellford clinic
Kawartha Now published an article on May 2, 2024 By Natalie Hamilton Municipality of Trent Hills residents seeking a primary health care provider locally can now join a patient roster list with the Trent Hills Family Health Team (THFHT). With a doctor and a nurse practitioner (NP) slated to arrive in the community in 2024, […]
Ontario Government approves new Ancient Rivers FHT for Renfrew and area
Pembrook Observer published an article on April 29, 2024 By Anthony Dixon Funding from the Ontario Government to establish a new Family Health Team (FHT) for Renfrew and area residents has been approved. “This is tremendous news for residents of Renfrew and the surrounding area, particularly to those who currently do not have a primary […]
MPP Natalie Pierre announces $700,000+ for Burlington FHT
Burlington Local published an article on April 26, 2024 By Calum O’Malley Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre announced $710,000 in funding to the Burlington Family Health Team (BFHT) during a press conference this morning (April 26). Pierre was joined by Oakville and North Burlington MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos and members of the Burlington Family Health Team (BFHT) […]
City of Lakes FHT using AI to take doctors’ notes
CBC News published an article on April 28, 2024 By Jonathan Migneault A family health team in Sudbury, Ont. is using artificial intelligence (AI) to help its family doctors and other health-care professionals save on note-taking. In December, the City of Lakes Family Health Team started a trial with a program called AutoScribe that listens […]
Fedeli announces $321,000 to Powassan and Area Family Health Team
Timmins Press published an article on April 19, 2024 By Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli announced more than $321,000 to the Powassan and Area Family Health Team to expand their services to connect more people to interdisciplinary primary care. “Our government continues to make strategic investments that contribute to a supportive and connected health […]
Central Lambton FHT, Rapids FHT and rural health clinics to get funding boost
London News Today published an article on April 19, 2024 By Lindsay Newman More residents could have access to a primary care provider in Sarnia-Lambton. Ontario’s Ministry of Health is providing $910,000 in funding to Rapids Family Health Team, Central Lambton Family Health Team, and North Lambton Community Health Centre. The announcement was made at […]
How to solve the doctor shortage plaguing northern Ontario -mini documentary including Wawa FHT and Marathon FHT doctors
Sudbury.com published an article April 17 2024 By Village Media Village Media has produced a mini documentary about the health care crisis in the north, which has forced emergency rooms to close and left thousands of patients in limbo In recent months, headline after headline has shone a spotlight on the doctor shortage plaguing northern […]
Bits & Pieces: create AFHTO 2024 Conference and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO 2024 Conference: create YOUR hybrid conference. Sign up by April 26 Member stories AFHTO input on proposed new regulation for OHTs Social Prescribing in Ontario Presentation video and materials available News and updates including our letter to the Minister of Health on the 2024 Ontario […]
NDP Leader Site Visit at South East Toronto FHT
The NDP Leader site visit sparked an insightful discussion about advocating for increased funding to support existing healthcare providers and attract physicians to clinics like Health Access Taylor Massey (HATM). This is due to the ever-increasing demand for quality healthcare services and the existing shortage of healthcare professionals directly impacting patient care and outcomes. During […]
$60,000 Approved by Guelph/Eramosa Council to Assist East Wellington FHT in Recruiting Family Doctors
The Grand101 published an article on April 3, 2024 By Austin Cardinell GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Guelph/Eramosa Council has agreed to set some township funding aside to attract new family doctors to practice in Rockwood. During a meeting Tuesday, council approved up to $60,000 be used as a top-up for the salaries for two potential new family […]
Bits & Pieces: input for strategic plan and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue We need your input for our strategic plan Member stories Family doctors in rural and remote Ontario – a role for you in practice readiness assessment Reminder- Charity Village course deadline extended to April 15- only 3 courses available now News and updates including a […]
Niagara North FHT obtains funding for Nurse Practitioner to serve those without a local doctor
NOTL Local published an article on March 28, 2024 A long-awaited nurse practitioner has finally been hired and is expected to begin looking after Niagara-on-the-Lake residents April 8. Coun. Sandra O’Connor, instrumental in helping to obtain the funding for the position, told The Local she was invited to be part of the recruitment process by […]
South Georgian Bay OHT (Including Georgian Bay FHT) Being Awarded nearly $880,000
Wasaga Beach published an article on March 28, 2024 WASAGA BEACH – The Town of Wasaga Beach is celebrating an investment of almost $880,000 in provincial funding that is being awarded to the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team, which will support local primary care teams and help increase the number of nurse practitioners providing […]
Peterborough FHT Physician Helping Newcomers Find a Home for Their Health
CPSO published an article on March 27, 2024 By Mark Sampson Note: Following the approval of new governance terminology at our December 2023 Board of Directors (formerly Council) meeting, the CPSO Council Award is now known as the CPSO Board Award For decades, the downtown Toronto neighbourhood of St. James Town has been a starting […]
Budget 2024: $546 million investment to expand and enhance access to team-based primary care
After a year of advocacy on funding to expand and enhance access to team-based primary care, AFHTO’s advocacy efforts have proven successful as the Ontario government announces a $546 million investment in primary care, aiming to connect up to 600,000 individuals to primary care teams. This afternoon, Ontario’s Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy presented the […]
Bits & Pieces: Pharmacy Appreciation Month and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month Reminder- social prescribing in Ontario webinar April 3 Member stories Charity Village course deadline extended to April 15- only 3 courses available now 2024 OCFP Awards deadline is March 31, 2024 Socio-demographic QIP indicators and resources News and updates including OCFP measles […]
Belleville NPLC Leader highlights newborn program at Women’s Day Gala
Quinte News published an article on March 9, 2024 By Alan-Michael Steele The International Women’s day Gala in Belleville at The Grand featured a keynote speech by guest speaker Karen Clayton-Babb, Chief Nurse Practitioner and Clinic Director at the Belleville Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic. During her keynote speech, Clayton-Babb spoke about many topics surrounding healthcare. Early […]
Northeastern Manitoulin FHT nurse first to have prescribing powers in Ontario
CBC News published an article on March 9, 2024 By Ashishvangh Contractor For years, Cyril Lee Turley and others have been calling on the government to give power to registered nurses to prescribe medication as a way to alleviate the strain on hospitals and community clinics. “I started following what the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario […]
Bits & Pieces: social prescribing webinar April 3 and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Social Prescribing in Ontario April 3 Social Work Week Member stories Bits & Pieces switching to biweekly Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act – tools and resources for bylaw compliance update Bill 64: An Act respecting pharmacare Reminder- Charity Village course deadline today, March 6 News and updates […]
Guelph FHT helps ensure every baby born in Guelph has a doctor
Guelph Today published a media statement on March 3, 2024 By Barbara Latkowski As the number of people without a family physician in Ontario continues to climb, the province announced earlier this month it will spend $110 million to connect more than 300,000 people to primary care teams. Ross Kirkconnell, executive director of the Guelph Family […]
Elgin County to receive nearly $1M for team-based primary health care (Including TV FHT and East Elgin FHT)
The London Free Press published a media statement on March 1, 2024 By Brian Williams Elgin County will receive nearly $1 million from the provincial government to expand team-based health care in the region. On Friday, officials with the Thames Valley Family Health Team, alongside Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Rob Flack, announced the funding, calling its impact […]
Bits & Pieces: OurCare final report here and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue OurCare final report now available Member stories MOH seeking feedback on proposed OHT designation requirements Reminder- Charity Village course deadline extended to March 6 Primary care physicians enabling integrated care News and updates including TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund Connect with your peers using AFHTO’s IHP Directory […]
Prince Edward FHT opens new community clinic
Picton Gazette published an article on February 21, 2024 By Jason Parks A new medical clinic, able to treat two dozen patients every week, opens in Picton and Wellington this month. Family Health Team Executive Director Barinder Gill was at Shire Hall Tuesday with the details. The clinic will be nurse-practitioner led, and opens Feb. […]
Letter to Minister Jones on Ensuring Equitable Access to Team-Based Care – August 28, 2023
August 28, 2023 The Honourable Sylvia Jones Minister of Health and Deputy Premier Ministry of Health College Park 5th Floor, 777 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 Dear Deputy Premier, Subject: Ensuring Equitable Access to Team-Based Care On behalf of the Ontario College of Family Physicians, the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario, […]
2023 Conference Themes
Team-Based Care: Making it a reality for all The AFHTO 2023 Conference program is built around 4 core themes. Using a population-based approach to provide care to the community Optimising teams’ capacity and creating efficiencies Organizing primary care to advance Ontario Health Teams Embedding mental health and home care in primary care ConFERENCE […]
Virtual Care, Digital Health and COVID-19
Originally posted Mar. 17, 2020. Last updated July 7, 2023 On Thursday, March 19 Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a memo Re: Managing Health Worker Illness and Return to Work COVID-19. In the document he makes recommendations related to travel and return to work for health care providers. He also notes: While […]
Bits & Pieces: systems innovation grant and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Youth Opportunities Fund- applications open Welcome to Michael Scarpitti OurCare & Healthy Debate: Give me a primary-care provider who understands me Connect with your peers using AFHTO’s IHP Directory Relevant news and reports- prenatal care for refugees Want to be a part of PSHSA’s HC Advisory […]
$30 million new/expansion funding for teams
Dear Executive Directors/Administrative Leads, On Feb 2nd we shared Minister Jones launch of the Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care. This plan includes an investment of $30 million to create up to 18 new teams and help bridge the gap in accessing interprofessional primary care for vulnerable, marginalized, and unattached patients to […]
Bits & Pieces: 2023 pre-budget submission and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue 2023 pre-budget submission and a new Canada Health Transfer agreement Collaboration in team-based primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic: study COVID vaccinations and digital supports materials Member stories Coming soon: Updated High Risk OBSP genetic assessment referral criteria and forms Seeking participants for an online survey […]
Bits & Pieces: member stories, welcome to Taryn and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Member stories Welcome to Taryn Jacquard OurCare survey results are here Fee code for Long COVID and more New quality standard – sickle cell disease Reports and relevant news – improving access in rural Canada and boosting balance Population Health: Governance (free course), starts Jan. 31, […]
The experience of primary care teams during the early phase of COVID-19
Research article published in BMC Primary Care 23, 294 (2022) The experience of primary care teams during the early phase of COVID-19: A qualitative study of primary care practice leaders in Ontario, Canada Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rapid shift to virtual care in primary care practices around the globe. There has […]
Bits & Pieces: market salary review underway and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Market salary review underway Reminder- Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8 Member stories Supporting Caregivers webinar materials available Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care materials available The latest on COVID, Influenza and Respiratory Viruses materials and more New guidance […]
Belleville NPLC provides care for unattached newborns
In a June article ‘QHC honours Belleville nurse practitioner-led clinic, Gateway centre’ we learned Belleville “has also received funding to provide follow up care to QHC newborns during their first two months of life,” Kearns continued. That program has yet to be established fully, but the clinic has so far accepted more than 100 “unattached” […]
Update on the Ministry Request Memo – Respiratory Illness Season
Dear Members, This fall, we have encountered an uptick in infections leading to hospital capacity becoming strained, especially at paediatric hospitals where cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have coincided with an increase in COVID transmission and an earlier-than-normal flu season. It is expected that these pressures will continue until mid-January. Additionally, pharmacies across Canada […]
QI in Action eBulletin #122: Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care in Primary Care
In this Issue: Phase One Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care in Primary Care Wawa FHT in the News Canada-Wide Study on Health Equity and Virtual Primary Care Upcoming Events Phase One Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care in Primary Care Content below developed by Ontario Health and edited for […]
Bits & Pieces: social worker focus groups and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Social worker focus groups at #AFHTO2022 Resources needed for library refresh Hamilton FHT Green Initiative Member stories Want to come to #AFHTO2022 for free? COVID-19 vaccination for kids under 5 materials and more Free online module- Management of Transient lschemic Attack (TIA) and Minor Stroke ECHO […]
2022 Conference Themes
Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world
Infection Control Resources and Tools
Originally posted Mar 10, 2020. Last updated June 15, 2022 *NEW* We have created a list of infection prevention and control tools and resources. New and updated resources will be added to the top of each list as they become available. IPAC shareables #StoptheSpread campaign communications toolkit | OHA, October 14, 2020 Sharables for the […]
AFHTO’s Response to Ontario’s 2022 Spring Budget
TORONTO, April 29, 2022 /CNW/ – On behalf of the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) members across the province, AFHTO welcomes the investments in home care, mental health care, and health human resources in the 2022 Ontario Budget, Ontario’s Plan to Build. The investments will help strengthen the critical areas of home […]
Paxlovid Prescription Forms
Dear Members, Partnering For Quality and the eHealth Centre of Excellence have developed resources for PS Suite, Oscar and Accuro to help with Paxlovid prescriptions and referrals. See below for prescription forms and additional resources. PS Suite: (Designed by Partnering For Quality) Download the package: Click here Unzip the .cfm file to your Desktop Import the .cfm […]
Prescribing Paxlovid, Fourth Doses and Additional Resources
Dear Members, As COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases continue to rise across the province, the reality of this sixth wave of the pandemic is taking hold with this highly transmissible BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron. Ontario approved fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for those eligible and has now made it possible for physicians and Nurse Practitioners […]
Bits & Pieces: Happy Nutrition Month and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Happy Nutrition Month Where do we go from here? Understanding the impact of preventive screening backlogs video Implications for primary care with the lifting of COVID measures and more Transitions from youth to adult health care services quality standard OCFP Awards – call for nominations extended […]
Living with and Managing COVID-19, Updated Guidance and Events & Webinars
Dear Members, On Wednesday Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, held a press conference where he announced the removal of the mandatory masking requirement for most settings on March 21, with the eventual lifting in most settings by April 27. As part of the Living with and Managing COVID-19 (FR) strategy, a […]
Updated primary care guidance document, revocation of Directive #2 and other supports
Dear Members, With the announcement on February 14th that the government is moving to the next phase of reopening on February 17th, now more than ever it’s important to keep the pressure on ensuring more Ontarians get vaccinated. Thank you again for all your hard work in supporting your patients and community in all aspects […]
Bits & Pieces: 2022 pre-budget submission, OHIP inequity and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO’s 2022 Pre-Budget Submission Inequity in online OHIP renewal being addressed FHT contract extension confirmed Our response regarding the impact of team-based care on ED visits Windsor Essex OHT announced Updates re revoking Directive #2 and more Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines Program extended Advance care planning guides on […]
Follow-up on January’s regional calls with EDs and admin leads;update from meeting with the Primary Health Care Branch
Note: This email is going to executive directors, lead physicians, NP clinical directors, and board chairs Dear leadership triad, Thank you to all executive directors and admin leads who joined their regional call with us at end of January. It is always helpful to hear from you, and we hope you found the call and […]
COVID-19 Outpatient Therapies, Vaccination Updates and Other Updates
Dear members, January has been an incredibly difficult month, and we want to thank you and your teams for all that you have done, and continue to do, for your patients. Encouragingly, the latest update on COVID-19 projections from the Science Table indicates that while hospital and ICU admissions continues to be high, Ontario data […]
COVID-19 assessment centres in Ontario- 2020-21
Here is a complete list of assessment centre updates received in 2020 and 2021. Resource- Recommendations for COVID-19 Assessment Centres- May 28, 2020 Assessment Centre Open Sites Dec 29, 2021 and Summary of Assessment Centre Open Sites Changes Dec 29, 2021 Community Sites Open Dec 29, 2021 and Summary of Community Sites Changes Dec 29, […]
Bits & Pieces: impact of team-based care on ED use and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Impact of team-based care on ED use 2022/23 Collaborative QIP Overview and Supports slides and video now available Burlington OHT mobile app helps people seeking local health & social services Moderate-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and opioid use disorder in primary care Why Paxlovid isn’t first-line and […]
Burlington OHT Mobile App helps people Seeking Local Health & Social Services
Burlington FHT is a proud Burlington Ontario Health Team member. Acting as the Implementation Funding Transfer Payment Agent and BOHT Remote Community Management Program Lead, we are pleased to support the BOHT System Navigation Program. The Navigator app facilitates people to find multiple health and community agency programs and services easily. It’s the first of […]
Impact of Team-Based Care on Emergency Department Use
Research article published in The Annals of Family Medicine January 2022, 20 (1) 24-31 Impact of Team-Based Care on Emergency Department Use Abstract PURPOSE We sought to assess the impact of team-based care on emergency department (ED) use in the context of physicians transitioning from fee-for-service payment to capitation payment in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We […]
COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Centres, ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca and updated guidance documents
Dear Members, With the recent news that Health Canada has authorized PAXLOVID for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 at high risk of developing serious disease, there is some hope that treatment can be made available as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of the start of symptoms. Ontario is […]
A Challenging Start to 2022, More Resources and a Continued Call to Get More Shots in Arms
Dear Members, 2022 has not started off the way we had hoped with the rapid increase in Omicron cases and the shift back to online learning for our kids. As Ontario struggles through what looks to be the most challenging wave of this pandemic, we remain heartened and continually in awe of the dedication of […]
“All Hands On Deck” Vaccination, Omicron Update, and Other COVID-19 Resources
Dear Members, It’s been hard and everyone is exhausted. We know what a toll the last 21 months have taken and this week in particular – with the rapid increase of cases due to the Omicron variant – has not been easy. The modeling presented by the Ontario Science Advisory Table yesterday shows that without […]
All Hands on Deck to Increase Vaccination Rates for Third Doses
Message for EDs/Admin Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians Dear Members, Last night, the Primary Care Collaborative members were invited to a meeting with Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Catherine Zahn, Deputy Minister of Health, Ministry of Health representatives and Ontario Health representatives. Dr. Moore provided an update on Omicron and […]
2021 Conference videos and slides
Pre-Conference Day: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 Program Component Materials Fireside Chat with Enterprise Canada – What You Can Expect in the Provincial Election Video Day 1: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Opening Session- Welcome, Minister’s Address and Bright Lights Awards Ceremony Video Facts vs. Myth: The Realities of Equity in Canadian Healthcare Video The Power of […]
Inequities in Ontario’s online health card renewal system must be addressed so marginalized people are not left behind
MEDIA STATEMENT December 7, 2021 The Alliance for Healthier Communities (Alliance), the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO), the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC), and the Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic Association (NPLCA) call on the government to address the inequities in the online health card renewal system. “The ability to renew the Ontario […]
Delivery of Patient Care in Ontario’s FHTs during the First Wave of COVID-19
The Delivery of Patient Care in Ontario’s Family Health Teams during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic, HEALTHCARE POLICY, Vol.17 No.2, 2021 Abstract Objective: The objective of this paper was to identify continuations and changes in care delivery methods in primary care teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: The study used a cross-sectional, web-based […]
LESS THAN A WEEK to submit a poster abstract
Submit your poster abstract- deadline August 3, 2021 We want your insight on these topics: -Building sustainable programs for improved access -Navigating complex systems to lead effectively -Picking the right partners and integrating care around the patient -Innovations in digital health, especially for rural and remote communities -How to address challenges at the policy and […]
Bits & Pieces: member stories, virtual CBT and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Reminder – virtual CBT for insomnia webinar today Member stories Primary Care Vaccination QI Support CoP Updated screening form, aggregate vaccination reports and more PTSD, Relationships & Accessible Support slides and video 800 O2 sat monitors remaining- deadline for ordering extended Support to implement large scale […]
Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Reports for Family Physicians
Dear Triad Members, Yesterday Ontario Health (OH) released a memo about accessing the COVaxON Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Reports for family physicians working in a Patient Enrolment Model (PEM) of your rostered patients who have been vaccinated. A reminder that you do need a ONE® ID account to access the report – instructions on how […]
Bits & Pieces: conference call for volunteers, guidance for vaccinated people and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO 2021 Conference: create YOUR virtual conference. Sign up by July 8 Guidance for vaccinated people, aggregate primary care vaccination report and more Space available in HPCO Virtual Compassion Care Community Centre programs Evaluation of online tool for occupational hand dermatitis Shaping PSHSA 2021-24 strategic plan […]
Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Report, Provincial Antigen Screening Program and Last Chance to Order Oxygen Saturation Monitors
Dear Triad Members, Please see below for some important information from Ontario Health. Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Report Together with their stakeholders, Ontario Health will be providing family physicians with a new report to help you identify patients in your panel that have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Additional supports will help you to identify who […]
2021 Conference Themes
Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world
Pause of first doses of AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD Update
In This Issue: Pause of first doses of AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD Update mRNA Vaccines in Primary Care Ontario Matching Portal COVID-19 vaccination clinic workflow and mass upload tips & tricks Community of Practice: Primary Care Participation COVID@Home A Big Thank You! Dear Members, You have probably already heard that the Ontario government announced on May 11th that […]