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Seeking AFHTO members to guide the 2014 Conference

We invite board members, clinical providers, staff and patients of AFHTO member organizations to participate in a conference program working group and earn a $50 discount on registration for the AFHTO 2014 Conference. This is a valuable opportunity to discover the thought leaders in your chosen topic area, and to apply your expertise to shape […]

Championing Innovation in Quality Improvement Decision Support

The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) is pleased to announce the six recipients of Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Innovation Funds. Ontario Family Health Teams (FHTs) are committed to measuring and improving comprehensive primary care performance; the QIDS program is a provincial initiative to support AFHTO members in their quality improvement (QI) […]

RNAO-MOHLTC Primary Care Fund to augment the Nursing Education Initiative

The Ministry has provided additional one-time funding to augment the Nursing Education Initiative (NEI) to support Ontario’s primary care registered nurses to refine their knowledge, skills and competencies; as a step towards enabling full scope of practice. Full rules are online; however, if a primary care RN has completed an educational program within the past […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference: wrap-up and links to valuable resources

Close to 900 people took part in the AFHTO 2013 Conference – Leadership in Healthcare for Ontarians. This theme ran through the conference from Lance Secretan’s inspiring opening to the closing panel debate — “Be it resolved that health system transformation must be led by Primary Care.’” Leadership shone through in the pre-conference activities – […]

Announcing AFHTO 2013 Bright Lights Award Winners!

The 2nd Annual AFHTO Bright Lights Awards celebrate the leadership and significant progress being made to improve the value delivered by AFHTO members to 3 million patients across Ontario. Winners were announced at the October 22 Awards Dinner at the AFHTO 2013 Conference, attended by over 250 people AFHTO members, senior representatives from government, Health […]

AFHTO’s 2013 Annual Report to the Members is now available

The 2013 Annual Report gives insight into the progress of Ontario’s family health teams, collectively supported by their association, to move toward their shared vision. This is a vision where all Ontarians would have timely access to high-quality and comprehensive primary care, and that care is informed by the social determinants of health, delivered by […]

AFHTO Annual Meeting takes place Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 11:30 AM

All who work within an AFHTO member organization or serve on its board are welcome to attend the AFHTO Annual Meeting. It takes place just before the official opening of the AFHTO 2013 Conference, on: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 11:30 AM Harbour Ballroom B+C, Westin Harbour Castle One Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario. At this […]

Nov.21 is deadline for applications for Primary Care Low Back Pain pilot

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) announced one-time pilot funding to support inter-professional primary care teams to provide better patient care through more effective treatment and management of Low Back Pain (LBP). Funding is available to teams/ organizations that operate in the following primary care settings: Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics, Family Health Teams, Aboriginal […]

Report from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT Unit, Sept.18, 2013

The main focus of the meeting was on budget flexibility and accountability. FHT representatives presented to MOHLTC the position proposed by the Executive Director Advisory Council at their meeting of August 28 and endorsed by the AFHTO board and the AOHC’s group of CFHT EDs. Other topics covered in the meeting: Process to address current […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference: Registration is open until Oct. 18

Tuesday, October, 22 and Wednesday, October 23, 2013. The AFHTO 2013 Conference will be at the Westin Harbour Castle, One Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario Click here to register for the conference. Click here to book your accommodation. Click here for the full conference program.

QIDS Program: Links to information

Links to information from Aug.21 “QIDS Program Town Hall” are posted on AFHTO’s Members-Only website.  The Town Hall gave the opportunity to share information and gather input.  Participants raised questions concerning sharing of QIDS Specialist positions, costs, and lines of accountability among other issues. To access these and other QIDS resources, login to the Members-Only […]

Sept.13 deadline for proposals targeted to medically complex patients

The Ministry has issued a call for applications for demonstration projects from general and family practice physicians and groups across the province to provide multidisciplinary care for individuals, who have high medical and functional care needs, may have a high number of interactions with the health care system and may have a high risk of […]

AFHTO Members: Invitation to participate in a QIDS program town hall meeting

Please join AFHTO for an interactive, online “members town hall” on the QIDS program. When: Wednesday, August 21, 2013, 12:00pm to 12:45pm The town hall is open to all members and will provide an opportunity for you to: Hear about work your colleagues are doing to develop QIDS partnerships and QIDS Specialists recruitment Learn more […]

Nominations for Minister’s Medal open until Sept. 16

Minister’s Medal Honours Excellence in Health Quality and Safety Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Deb Matthews, is inviting individuals and organizations to showcase their high-quality patient-centered care programs. This annual medal will recognize excellence in collaboration, sustainability, measurable outcomes and value. Completed applications must be submitted to your LHIN office by 5:00 p.m. […]

Registration for the AFHTO 2013 Conference is now live!

The AFHTO 2013 Conference to be held on Tuesday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 23 at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. Register you and your team for the conference before early-bird registration ends Sept. 20 Review the Full Conference Program Reserve a room at the preferred group rate at the Westin Harbour Castle Frequently […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference: Call for “Bright Light” Award Nominations

The deadline for AFHTO “Bright Light” nominations has been extended to August 6, 2013. Nominations are open for the second annual AFHTO “Bright Light” Awards program recognizing leadership, outstanding work and significant progress being made to improve the value delivered by Family Health Teams across Ontario. Awards will be presented at the AFHTO 2013 Conference […]

Nominations to the AFHTO Board are open until August 1

Are you interested in serving on the AFHTO board of directors? The Governance Committee of AFHTO’s board invites anyone associated with an AFHTO-member teams to apply. Click here to see the Governance Committee letter to members and role descriptions. (Please note member login information is required to see this page, contact info@afhto.ca for assistance.)

Report from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT Unit, June 3, 2013

FHT Executive Directors representing AFHTO and AOHC members met with the FHT Unit on Monday.  Topics covered included: QIDSS implementation: how the allocations have been made and what to expect in their implementation Physiotherapy in FHTs: timing and process to apply for positions Health Links: staffing implications for FHTs that are coordinating and/or taking on […]

Couchiching FHT an innovative approach to health care

Couchiching FHT is featured for growing primary care in their community. They have developed innovative diabetes and congestive heart failure clinics and geriatric programs to help keep patients healthy and at home longer. They have recently opened a brand new facility to provide care from one location for their Orillia community. Click here to read […]

2013 Ontario Budget: Highlights for FHTs

When it comes to health care, the key planks in the 2013 Ontario budget are Health Links, the Seniors’ Strategy and the recently announced funding increases for home care. The health care sections of the budget summarize government priorities and commitments in this area.  Click here to read health-related excerpts from the budget. Full text […]

Primary Care QIPs are off to a great start

Message to all FHTs forwarded on behalf of Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Negotiations and Accountability Management Division, Assistant Deputy Minister Susan Fitzpatrick: From: Potts, Ashley (MOH) On Behalf Of Fitzpatrick, Susan (MOH) Sent: May-01-13 3:48 PM Subject: Quality Improvement Plans The memo below is regarding primary care Quality Improvement Plans. Please share […]

DFCM Open – family medicine resource website launched

Today, the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) at the University of Toronto launched a website called DFCM Open. Inspired by open knowledge and collaboration initiatives, such as the open source software movement, DFCM Open (www.dfcmopen.com) will collect and store clinical, educational and research material that is created, peer-reviewed and voluntarily submitted by its faculty members […]

Health Minister announces introduction of physiotherapy positions in FHTs

Today Minister Matthews announced that Ontario is improving access to physiotherapy services for eligible Ontarians by changing how and where these services are provided.  Beginning August 1, 2013, the province will expand availability of community-based physiotherapy, exercise classes and falls prevention services in more locations across Ontario. Steps include integrating physiotherapy positions into primary care […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference: Call for concurrent session and poster submissions

You are invited to submit an abstract to present a concurrent session or poster in 8 core themes areas that showcase and support FHT Leadership in Healthcare for Ontarians. The AFHTO 2013 Conference takes place October 22-23 in Toronto. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your knowledge, discuss priority issues and identify best practices […]

Public health guidance regarding Influenza A(H7N9) Virus in China

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is informing all health system partners of preparedness activities related to influenza A (H7N9): To date the World Health Organization has announced a total of 60 cases of infection with influenza A (H7N9), and 13 deaths, all in China. WHO is not recommending special screening at points of entry […]

Strategic direction for AFHTO is renewed

The AFHTO board is pleased to announce the renewed vision, mission and strategic priorities to guide our work on behalf of our members over the next 2 – 3 years. Please click here for more information. AFHTO members may also click here to learn more about how this Strategic Direction will be operationalized in the […]

FHTs continue to play key role in Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care

One year after releasing Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care, Health Minister Deb Matthews presented her progress report today.  She called it a plan for “fundamental transformation” that puts “family health care at the centre of the system.” Government’s news release and the Action Plan for Health Care One Year Progress Report both continue to […]

Wise Elephant and West Carleton FHTs win Canada Health Infoway Momentum Awards

Congratulations to the Wise Elephant and West Carleton Family Health Teams, first and third-place winners in Canada Health Infoway’s ImagineNation Outcomes Challenge, competing in the Patient Access to Health Information category against teams across the country. Wise Elephant Family Health Team Dr. Sanjeev Goel and the team at Wise Elephant Family Health Team in Brampton, […]

Sherbourne and North York FHTs honoured for their work by Cancer Quality Council of Ontario

Innovation Award Winner – Sherbourne Health Centre, Infirmary Program The Sherbourne Health Centre, which encompasses the Sherbourne Family Health Team, was honoured for developing an innovative program to provide chemo and radiation therapies to individuals experiencing homelessness, or those with no real ‘home’. These patients face significant barriers to accessing mainstream treatment. Even those in […]

Family Health Teams play a prominent role in Ontario’s Health Links

The first 19 Health Links were announced today by Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Deb Matthews. Health Links bring together health care providers in a community to better and more quickly coordinate care for high-need patients. Seven of the 19 Health Links announced today will be coordinated by family health teams: Barrie and Community […]

CMOH releases “Seasonal Influenza 2012-2013: Ontario’s Blueprint for Action”

Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced the release of Seasonal Influenza 2012/ 2013: Ontario’s Blueprint for Action. This document updates the 2011/ 2012 Blueprint for Action by outlining the actions that the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of Labour are taking to support the […]

Dorval Medical FHT featured for its work in quality and accountability

Today’s edition of the Healthydebate Weekly Digest features the work done by Dorval Medical FHT to deliver high quality of care, high capacity and lower than average costs through measurement and reporting.  Click here to read the story. Dorval’s work provided the underpinning for AFHTO’s proposal — Advancing a Performance-Oriented Model for Primary Care — […]

Announcing AFHTO 2012 Bright Light Award Winners!

Demonstrating and Celebrating the Value of Family Health Teams – this is the focal point of the AFHTO 2012 Conference, and the reason for launching the AFHTO Bright Lights Awards program.  These awards recognize the leadership, outstanding work and significant progress being made to improve the value delivered by family health teams. The conference was […]

AFHTO 2012 Conference: Breakfast & registration open at 7:30 Oct. 16 & 17

The AFHTO 2012 Conference takes place Tuesday, October 16 and Wednesday, October 17 at the Hilton Toronto, 145 Richmond Street. With over 650 participants registered for each day, AFHTO Conference registration is closed. When you arrive at the conference: Registration opens at 7:30 AM on both October 16 & 17 Breakfast will be served from […]

MOHLTC rolling out Provincial Low Back Pain Strategy

In order to improve the quality and efficiency of treatment for low-back pain, the province of Ontario is launching a Provincial Low-Back Pain Strategy to: Decrease wait times for medically-necessary diagnostic imaging, and Improve outcomes for patients suffering from low back pain. The strategy has three components: Evidence-based amendments to the Schedule of Benefits. Effective […]

AFHTO 2012 Conference: Increase corporate visibility as a sponsor or exhibitor

On October 16-17, 2012, over 500 executive directors, board members, physicians, staff, stakeholder associations and government representatives will attend the AFHTO 2012 Conference. AFHTO invites Family Health Team partners and stakeholders to consider the sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities at the upcoming conference. See the 2012 Sponsorship and Exhibitor Prospectus for opportunity details and all relevant […]

Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Program: North York FHT

A collaboration between North York Family Health Team and North York General Hospital with funding from Cancer Care Ontario, North York Family Health Team and North York General Hospital have created a new survivorship program for patients with colorectal cancer. The CCSP is a new model of cancer survivorship care that transfers the monitoring of […]

Nominations for election to AFHTO Board open until August 20, 2012

Are you interested in serving on the AFHTO board of directors? The Governance Committee of AFHTO’s board invites anyone associated with an AFHTO-member FHT to apply. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BDHBQRF to fill in the form. Then e-mail your CV to info@afhto.ca. Application deadline is Monday, August 20. Click here to see the Governance Committee letter to […]

Congratulations to 4 Family Health Teams profiled in Health Quality Ontario’s 2012 Report

Four AFHTO members are profiled as “Examples of success” found in the 2012 Report on Ontario’s Health System from Health Quality Ontario, released today: Thames Valley FHT (Byron and Victoria Family Medical centres) for reducing waits for appointments and missed-appointment rates – page 59 London FHT for improved outcomes for COPD patients – page 60 […]

Aug.15 is deadline to apply to MOHLTC for financial support for PA positions

MOHLTC has e-mailed the invitation below to FHTs.  Please follow up with your Ministry rep to get the full package, if you did not receive it. SENT: July 24, 2012 4:57 PM SUBJECT: FHT – Employment supports for physician assistant graduates 2012 Dear Family Health Team, The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has […]

“Bright Lights” award nominations: opportunity for grant to attend IHI Conference

The first ever “Bright Lights” awards will be presented at the AFHTO 2012 Conference Awards Dinner, on October 16.  This award program recognizes the leadership, outstanding work and significant progress being made to improve the value delivered by Family Health Teams. There are 11 award categories corresponding to the themes of the AFHTO 2012 Conference. In […]

Primary Care Nursing Task Force Report

The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario launched a task force, bringing together key stakeholders to review the role of almost 4,300 primary care nurses (RNs and RPNs) currently practising in Ontario. The Task Force focused on two progressive phases of outcomes. The first phase identifies the highest level of RN and RPN scope of practice […]

Ontario Think Tank on Public Health and Primary Care Collaboration

Please find the proceedings from a full day Think Tank on strengthening collaboration between public health and primary care held on April 19, 2012 at the offices of Public Health Ontario in Toronto, Ontario. AFHTO’s Executive Director, Angie Heydon, participated in the Think Tank. Other participants included policy makers, decision-makers, front line practitioners and academics. […]

Updates on OMA-MOHLTC negotiations

Both parties involved in the negotiations have posted the following public statements: May 7 response from OMA – https://www.oma.org/Mediaroom/PressReleases/Pages/CutstoHealthCare.aspx May 7 response from MOHLTC – http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2012/05/ontario-freezing-doctor-pay-to-invest-in-more-community-care-for-families-and-seniors.html May 3 news release from OMA – https://www.oma.org/Mediaroom/PressReleases/Pages/NegotiateFairly.aspx April 27 response from Minister of Health http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2012/04/statement-from-ontarios-health-minister.html April 24 news release from OMA — https://www.oma.org/Mediaroom/PressReleases/Pages/DoctorsOfferOfA2YearFreezeOnFeesRejectedByGovernment.aspx April 12 response from OMA […]

AFHTO 2012 Conference: “Bright Lights” Award Nominations

The 2012 AFHTO Conference is all about “Demonstrating and Celebrating the Value of Family Health Teams.” To help us do this, AFHTO is launching “Bright Lights” – a brand new program to recognize the leadership, outstanding work and significant progress being made to improve the value delivered by Family Health Teams. The conference is being […]

Drummond Commission – “Family Health Teams should become the norm for primary care”

“Family Health Teams should become the norm for primary care” The statement above appears on p.24 of the 543-page Drummond Commission report, released this afternoon. Consuming over 40% of the province’s budget, health care receives much attention in this report (pp.145-202). There are a number of recommendations that are specific to FHTs/primary care, and are […]

Quality Planning – accelerating Queen’s FHT’s ability to meet targets

The Queen’s Family Health Team (QFHT), an academic teaching clinic with 22 family physicians, 20 nursing and allied health members and 50+ family medicine residents rotating through the clinic, embarked on a quality improvement process in 2008. QFHT has established a Quality Plan and framework to systematically improve quality across the team.   The team […]

Toward a Primary Care Recruitment & Retention Strategy for Ontario

The Association of Family Health Teams (AFHTO), the Association of Ontario Health Centres (AOHC) and the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO) are pleased to share our joint report with our members. Toward a Primary Care Recruitment & Retention Strategy for Ontario (PDF 1.3MB) It has been a challenge for primary care organizations to recruit […]

Strengthening Primary Care in Ontario: Reports are now available

The Government of Ontario’s recently released Action Plan for Health Care puts a strong emphasis on primary care, placing “Family Health Care at the Centre of the System”. In the last week the final set of reports on Strategic Directions for Strengthening Primary Care in Ontario were also released by the Ministry to participants involved […]

AFHTO welcomes Ontario’s focus on family and community care

Primary care is fundamental to the health of patients and our health system. Family Health Teams have been working hard to innovate, to improve care, and from that, to improve health. For this reason, AFHTO is pleased to see the Ontario Government is placing “Family Health Care at the Centre of the System”.  Released today, […]

AFHTO response to Globe and Mail comment about FHTs

On January 17, Globe and Mail columnist Adam Radwanski wrote about the upcoming MOHLTC-OMA negotiations, focusing on costs and value for money (echoing the Auditor General of Ontario’s report). Unfortunately he used the term “family health team” when he was refering to physicians in capitated models in his statement, “The province will continue trying to […]

AFHTO’s submission to Drummond Commission on Broader Public Sector Reform

AFHTO was invited to present to the Commission on Broader Public Sector Reform, chaired by economist Don Drummond and announced in the 2011 Ontario Budget speech last spring.  The Commission is to report in early 2012, in time to inform development of Government’s 2012-13 Budget, on its mandate to examine long-term, fundamental changes to the […]

Ministry Of Labour Blitz on Infection Prevention and Control

From www.ohatoday.com — As part of their Safe at Work Ontario strategy, the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) is conducting an Infection Prevention and Control heightened enforcement campaign at healthcare organizations throughout the month of November. This campaign, otherwise known as a blitz will see MOL inspectors and infection control specialists conducting both scheduled and […]

Changes to Nurse Practitioners’ practice

Changes to Nurse Practitioners’ (NPs) practice resulting from legislative amendments will take effect on Oct. 1, 2011; therefore, the College of Nurses of Ontario has released a new Nurse Practitioner practice standard, which includes new expectations for NP practice. Visit www.cno.org/np to download a copy of the new practice standard and to read other information […]

Accessibility Standards for Customer Service: reminder of requirements

By January 1st, 2012 Family Health Teams must comply with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. The information below is provided for your reference, from MOHLTC’s FHT to Print newsletter, Winter 2011 edition. In addition, click here for  a brief, practical, self-assessment tool intended to assist primary health care settings to increase their awareness of […]

Over 90% of Family Health Teams belong to AFHTO

Family Health Team membership in AFHTO surpassed the 90% mark as of in the last week of September.  171 of Ontario’s 186 FHTs have now joined. AFHTO is the voice for Family Health Teams (FHTs) in this province.

AFHTO-OMA survey of physicians working in FHTs (due Oct.16)

The purpose of this AFHTO-OMA collaboration is to inform both associations on the experience of physicians working in this model, and gain insight into their needs, ideas, issues and concerns.  The results will be released as part of a joint OMA/AFHTO presentation and discussion at the AFHTO 2011 Conference on Oct. 26. FHT physicians will […]

CIHR Training Grant in Interdisciplinary PHC Research: applications due Oct.31

Transdisciplinary Understanding and Training on Research– Primary Health Care — “TUTOR‐PHC” Program information and application forms for TUTOR-PHC are now available on TUTOR-PHC’s website at http://www.uwo.ca/fammed/csfm/tutor-phc/applications/applicationforms.html For more information about TUTOR-PHC, go to http://www.uwo.ca/fammed/csfm/tutor-phc/ Who should apply? Graduate Students from Canadian Universities that are interested/ engaged in primary health care research regardless of their home discipline […]

Rural health care providers unite to provide optimal health services

Wellington hospitals, Family Health Teams, Community Care Access Centres and Mental Health Services signed a collective agreement last Wednesday aimed at optimizing health and patient care in our rural communities. The local rural health partners include Groves Memorial Community Hospital, North Wellington Heath Care, Minto-Mapleton, Mount Forest and Upper Grand Family Health Teams, Waterloo Wellington […]

Citizens’ Reference Panel calls for expansion of family health teams in Ontario

Twenty-eight Ontarians who have looked at the inner-workings of the province’s health system recommend more collaboration, integration and accountability to help ensure the sustainability of high-quality, accessible and publicly-funded health care. One of these recommendations states, “We urge the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to accelerate the expansion of integrated family health teams throughout […]

Congratulations to 4 AFHTO members profiled in Health Quality Ontario’s 2011 Report

Four AFHTO members are profiled in two Success Studies found in Quality Monitor 2011 Report on Ontario’s Health System, released today: North York FHT and Smithville FHT for reducing waits and increasing physician continuity (http://www.hqontario.ca/pdfs/2011_success_story_2_en.pdf ) Petawawa FHT and Timmins FHT for improving diabetes management and encouraging patient self-management (http://www.hqontario.ca/pdfs/2011_success_story_5_en.pdf ) The 2011 Report covers […]

Credit Valley FHT to be expanded to serve local Francophone population

TORONTO/CNW/ – The Office of the French Language Services Commissioner is pleased to report that the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will be implementing concrete measures to ensure the development of primary French-language health care services in the Peel-Halton region. After carefully considering various potential delivery models, the Ministry has determined that the expansion […]

Ten FHTs sustain blood pressure reduction through Hypertension Management Program

(New York, N.Y.): A ground-breaking Canadian blood pressure education program will be a powerful tool in fight to reduce stroke around the world. This morning, Dr. Sheldon Tobe, Chair of the Canadian Hypertension Education Program (CHEP) and a long-standing Heart and Stroke Foundation researcher, unveiled a new and powerful tool in the management of hypertension […]

Study on interprofessional teamwork in FHTs finds link to strong leadership & EMR use

The May 2011 edition of Canadian Family Physician reports on a study of team members in Ontario’s FHTs, by Dr. Michelle Howard and others from McMaster University. Click here to access the full report. Key findings are: Interprofessional teamwork, by way of family health teams (FHTs), shows promise as a strategy to facilitate optimal primary […]

Progress of Family Health Teams showcased in Annals of Family Medicine

A number of leading experts from Canada and abroad comment on Ontario’s experience in setting up Family Health Teams.  The Annals of Family Medicine has published these responses to an article on FHTs in the March 2011 edition of this American journal. The original article had been written for the benefit of Americans trying to […]

Atikokan FHT and the Falls Prevention Team

Atikokan — Two years in, the Atikokan Falls Prevention Team has proven its value – so much so, the team plans to stay together, and continue helping seniors maintain the quality of their lives. “There isn’t another program in the region like this,” said occupational therapist Amanda Dickson, the team leader. “It would be pretty […]

Doctor from The Ottawa Hospital FHT uses web to cut wait-times to see specialists

OTTAWA — An Ottawa family doctor has pioneered a simple way to bypass the lengthy delays that patients often face when they are referred to medical specialists. Using a web-based tool to make contact with high-demand specialists such as dermatologists and endocrinologists, Dr. Clare Liddy said she is able to get her patients faster access […]

South East Toronto FHT’s Virtual Ward

Virtual wards are a model pioneered in England. They use the systems, staffing and daily routine of a hospital ward to provide case management to patients in the community but without the walls of the hospital. Patients who are admitted to the SETFHT Virtual Ward receive post-hospital discharge follow-up and interventions by a team of […]

Keep the voice for FHTs strong – Renew your AFHTO membership for 2011-12

AFHTO’s membership year begins on April 1. Notices and registration forms were e-mailed to all FHT leaders on March 3. Why join? – click here. What are AFHTO’s plans? – click here to see the AFHTO Strategic Plan 2011-2013. What are the fees? – click here. Need a registration form? – click here. AFHTO is the […]

New resources for FHTs on www.afhto.ca

The most recent posts include: ·         Ideas and resources for FHT planning ·         The Progress of FHTs in Ontario, recently published in Annals of Family Medicine ·         AFHTO Strategic Plan 2011-13 and FHT Survey Results ·         Updated information on learning events On our Members Only website, you’ll find new posts on the following pages: ·         […]

AFHTO Strategic Plan 2011-13 and FHT Survey Results

This strategic plan charts the next steps in the journey to establish FHTs as a highly-valuable and valued model for delivering primary health care to Ontarians, and to develop the capacity for its representative body, AFHTO, to be their strong and effective voice. A draft plan, built upon the consensus achieved among 150 FHT leaders […]

All FHT leaders are invited to give input on AFHTO’s future

A web-based meeting attended by over 70 FHT leaders on February 9 indicated agreement with AFHTO’s general direction.  We would like to hear more from you about where we place our priorities and how we resource the work needed to advance them. Whether or not you participated in the web meeting, we invite all FHT […]

AFHTO is seeking your FHT’s input for the 2011 Strategic Plan

AFHTO works with FHTs and for FHTs as the advocate, champion, network and resource centre for this innovative model of care.   Our membership is our strength.  We need your help to determine AFHTO’s path for the next 2-3 years to ensure it captures and reflects the key priorities shared by FHTs across Ontario. As […]

New Family Health Centre for North Perth a Reality

It is with great excitement and anticipation that the Listowel Memorial Hospital, the Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Listowel Medical Centre, John Wilkinson, MPP for Perth-Wellington and the North Perth Family Health Team announce the beginning of construction of the Fisher Family Primary Care Centre. The new centre is being named in honor of the […]

Best wishes to all Ontario’s Family Health Teams

As we draw to the close of 2010, AFHTO salutes the continued progress of the Family Health Teams of Ontario.  We are now 200 strong, thanks to your vision, commitment and innovation, proving the value of the FHT model. As you work to meet the health needs of Ontario families, your association works to meet […]

8 Waterloo-Wellington FHTs in project to transform care for diabetes patients

Those with a chronic disease live with their condition every day – and even though they rely on the support of their healthcare team, they can feel isolated and alone. And when their condition pushes outside norms, they can feel confused and frightened. Their healthcare team can also be hampered by a lack of information […]

Members Only website has been launched

AFHTO has just launched a Members Only feature — click on the Member Login tab to enter. Here you’ll find a wealth of resources to help members in governing, managing and delivering care in their FHTs. Resources on AFHTO’s Members Only website includes 27 presentations from the AFHTO 2010 conference, guides and toolkits prepared specifically […]

Join the Office Practice Redesign Action Group to improve Access and Efficiency

Apply by December 10 to join QIIP’s Office Practice Redesign Action Group. QIIP (Quality Improvement and Innovation Partnership) is a non-profit organization funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, focused on advancing improvement in primary healthcare in Ontario. QIIP is looking for approximately 100 motivated primary healthcare organizations including Family Health Teams (FHT), […]

Wise Elephant FHT raises money for villages in Samthar Valley, India

The doctors of Wise Elephant FHT have adopted a group of small villages in Samthar Valley, West Bengal, India and partnered with a local NGO called Awake and Shine in India.  Their current project is to convert a dirt footpath into a stone footpath to make it usable all year round for the schoolchildren.  As […]

CBC Radio listeners learn about FHTs from Dr. Jane Philpott

Matt Galloway, host of CBC Radio’s Metro Morning interviewed Dr. Jane Philpott, Lead Physician, Health for All Family Health Team to learn how family health teams work and what makes them more effective in providing care. Click here to listen to the interview.

Minister announces expansion of the Caroline FHT

People in the Burlington area now have better access to frontline health care with the expansion of the Caroline Family Health Team. This was today’s announcement from Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Deb Matthews. “The newly expanded Caroline Family Health Team will provide increased access to care for more than 21,000 people within the […]

Minister announces opening of City of Kawartha Lakes FHT

Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care visited Omemee to announce the opening of the new City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team. “The City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team will be able to provide increased access to care for over 38,000 people within the next five months. Family Health Teams are providing […]

Minister announces opening of Wise Elephant FHT in Brampton

Family Health Teams from Wave 4 are beginning to move into the “fully operational” stage of their development.  Health Minister Deb Matthews visited Wise Elephant FHT in Brampton to celebrate its opening with lead physician Dr. Sanjeev Goel and staff.  One of Dr. Goel’s long-time patients enthused about how the practice has grown into a […]

AFHTO Pension proposal needs 27 more FHT responses

One of the top concerns identified by Family Health Teams was the gap between the benefits package available through FHT funding, and that offered elsewhere in the health care system.  To help FHTs attract and retain skilled healthcare workers, AFHTO has been working with HOOPP, the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan to address the pension […]

Chronic disease management at New Vision Family Health Team

New Vision Family Health Team is a busy primary care practice in Kitchener, Ontario. On average, outcomes for patients in the practice who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were not meeting clinical best practice guidelines. The team realized it needed to redesign its chronic disease management system to improve care for these patients. […]

Primary Care at Athens District Family Health Team

The Athens District Family Health Team (FHT), located within the South East LHIN, serves 3,500 rostered and 300 unrostered patients. In November 2008, the team was experiencing a wait time of 27 days, as measured by the time to the third next available appointment. As a result, the registered nurse had to do telephone triage […]

Key Issues

AFHTO has served as the forum for sharing FHT issues, concerns, and ideas, and formulating policy statements and recommendations to the government. The November 2009 FHT Leaders Retreat is an excellent example of collective idea-sharing and problem-solving: it achieved remarkable consensus on the most pressing issues for FHT success. The following March AFHTO board members […]