Guelph FHT rallies 98 doctors to write letter encouraging community to get vaccinated
Guelph Today article published February 18, 2021 By Guelph Today Staff When your opportunity comes to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, take it. That’s the message from nearly 100 doctors with the Guelph Family Health Team who signed an open letter to the community. “It’s to protect yourself and protect others,” said Ross Kirkconnell, the health team’s […]
Georgian Bay FHT launches a Home Monitoring Program with their OHT for COVID patients at home
Collingwood Today article published January 29, 2021 By Collingwood Today To better support residents in South Georgian Bay who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are recovering at home, the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team (SGB OHT) has launched a Home Monitoring Program to care for high-risk patients with suspect or confirmed COVID-19. A similar […]
Georgian Bay FHT: what it’s like at a COVID assessment centre
Collingwood Today article published January 6, 2021 By Erika Engel, Collingwood Today Since March Maureen Sullivan’s work as a nurse practitioner has centred around testing for COVID-19. She is a member of the Georgian Bay Family Health Team and has been overseeing the Collingwood and Wasaga Beach COVID-19 assessment centres. She was among the first […]
Bits & Pieces: Mobilizing for vaccination in LTC, COVID vaccine updates, and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Mobilizing for vaccination in Long Term Care COVID vaccine updates and more Members’ stories Can employers make vaccination mandatory? How are you using virtual care to support the delivery of palliative care? Access to neonatal follow up Upcoming events including Advancing QI in Primary Care and […]
Elliot Lake FHT Continues to support Delivery service for seniors
The Sudbury Star article published December 22, 2020 By Colleen Romaniuk Elliot Lake city councillors voted to extend the community’s Age Friendly Delivers program into the new year at a regular city council meeting on Monday. Council last approved an extension of the program to the end of December, but because of a steady demand […]
Elliot Lake FHT Reflects on their community’s efforts to protect one another
The Sudbury Star article published January 1, 2021 It has been more than 10 months since Ontario first had evidence of community spread of COVID-19 and the first person tested positive in northeastern Ontario. Since that time, the nightly news has tended to focus on the impact of COVID-19 in larger centres, but small towns […]
Bits & Pieces: details on shutdown, COVID vaccine resources and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Details on provincial shutdown COVID-19 safety and planning COVID vaccine foundation webinar video and more Members’ stories Additional funding for mental health and addictions services HPCO continues virtual activity wellness hub Upcoming events including Advancing Quality Improvement in Primary Care and more Details on provincial shutdown […]
Grey-Bruce OHT application submitted to province
The Sun Times article published December 15, 2020 By the Sun Times The application for the Grey-Bruce Ontario Health Team has been submitted to the Ministry of Health. The application, submitted by the health team planning committee, is supported by signatures from 20 health service provider boards and organizations across Grey-Bruce, according to a news release issued […]
Central Lambton FHT and North Lambton CHC increase access to testing facility in Plympton-Wyoming
The Expositor article published December 11, 2020 By Postmedia Staff Beginning Dec. 14, the Rural Lambton COVID Testing Centre will be moving from Petrolia to Plympton-Wyoming. Thanks to a partnership between the North Lambton Community Health Centre, the Central Lambton Family Health Team and the municipality of Plympton-Wyoming, the testing facility will now be located at […]
Bits & Pieces: members in newly approved OHTs, updated case definition and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Thirteen new OHTs announced How collaboration created an essential PPE community hub during the first wave of COVID-19 Members’ stories – #PrimaryCareAlwaysThere Reminder- enter to win free registration to Legal Issues for Primary Care Teams series Updated case definition, testing guidance and more Call for applications […]
Bits & Pieces: address from incoming president Dr. Allan Grill, COVID checklist for primary care & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Address from incoming president Dr. Allan Grill #AFHTO2020: following up Immediate need for case and contact management Member stories- COVID-19 EMR screening, virtual clinic and SDOH New BounceBack client resources available OMA’s OHT white paper Togetherall social media content and mini videos COVID-19 checklist for primary […]
Georgina NPLC’s COVID-19 testing drive-thru tests over 130 residents as negative
Georgina Post article published August 5, 2020 By Mike Anderson More than 130 residents tested negative for COVID-19 after the Georgina Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (GNPLC) launched a “pop-up” drive-thru testing site at the Georgina Sutton Arena Hall parking lot on July 29. According to GNPLC Clinical Director Beth Cowper-Fung, 133 tests were completed, including nine […]
Mount Forest FHT receives grant to reach Mennonite, Amish populations
Wellington Advertiser article published July 15, 2020 By Patrick Rafits WELLINGTON NORTH – The Mount Forest Family Health Team (MFFHT) has received a grant to help it provide virtual support to area Mennonite and Amish residents. The Centre Wellington Community Foundation (CWCF) announced on July 13 it has awarded a $10,880 grant to the Township […]
Thomas Edison and Weight Loss
Article published in the Spring 2020 issue of The Diabetes Communicator By David J. Robinson, MD, FRCPC; Emily Opthof, RD, B.Sc.FN Canadian Mental Health Association, London; Central Lambton Family Health Team, Petrolia, Ont. Thomas Edison, the revered American inventor, defined genius as 98 per cent (%) to 99% perspiration and 1% to 2% inspiration (1). […]
How STAR FHT doctor’s videos help navigate COVID-19 pandemic
CBC article published June 24, 2020 By Desmond Brown The COVID-19 pandemic has turned Stratford-based family physician Sean Blaine into an internet sensation of sorts — as a YouTube commentator offering tips to navigate the health emergency. Blaine says he has “a couple of ideas on how we can get through this thing together.” He […]
Bits & Pieces: virtual visits webinar materials, members’ stories & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Virtual Visits: Beginning to End webinar materials now available Members’ stories Operational requirements for health sector restart and more Questions Are the Answer- patient tips and tools Educational supports for IPAC -Toronto region Research participant recruitment – concussion telerehabilitation study Upcoming events regarding mental health and […]
North Simcoe FHT’s virtual-care clinic set to expand
Orillia Matters article published May 28, 2020 By Mehreen Shahid The North Simcoe Family Health Team hopes to soon expand its virtual-care clinic program from two to five days a week. A local health team has a virtual solution for orphan patients in the area. Noticing the rising need of family physicians in the area and having five […]
Guelph FHT urges residents to not let pandemic stop them from seeking medical attention
Guelph Today News article published May 23, 2020 By Anam Khan Executive director Ross Kirkconnell of the Guelph Family Health Team said the health system has always been there for residents and the pandemic is no different The Guelph Family Health Team has a message for those holding themselves back from seeking medical attention during the pandemic. […]
Windsor FHT Launches Virtual Substance Program
CTV News article published May 14, 2020 By Ricardo Veneza WINDSOR, ONT. — The Windsor Team Care Centre’s substance abuse services are being forced online by COVID-19 – but the move may be a blessing in disguise. A new virtual substance abuse program, part of the One Team Recovery (OTR) initiative, will have its first session on […]
Hamilton and McMaster FHTs provide drive-thru COVID-19 testing for 60 people per day
Y108 News article published April 23, 2020 By Lisa Polewski Hamiltonians can now book a COVID-19 test at the city’s drive-thru site, based inside the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena. It’s not quite the same as a fast-food drive-thru, but the COVID-19 testing centre at the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is as efficient as it gets. Since Hamilton’s […]
Bits & Pieces: update re PPE surveys, assessment centres, Zoom bombers & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Update on daily PPE surveys COVID-19 assessment centres and more COVID-19 in Ontario- what do the models show for our future? Members’ stories How to keep uninvited guests out of Zoom meetings and webinars Updated message from Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Complimentary access to online […]
Early Lessons: Tackling a Global Crisis with a Community Response
Longwoods article published Mar. 23, 2020 By Thuy-Nga (Tia) Pham, Jeff Powis, Mark Fam, Ian Fraser and Anne Wojtak In the 17 years since the SARS crisis, Ontario has invested in our public health system and improved connections across the healthcare system to better respond ‘as one.’ Although we are still a long way from […]
Londoners and Thames Valley FHT organize to supply doctor’s offices, ‘love-bomb’ health-care workers
The London Free Press article published Mar. 20, 2020 By Randy Richmond A handful of Londoners have turned some casual conversations into a grassroots effort supplying thousands of gloves and masks to local medical clinics. And they want more people stuck at home, especially business leaders, to step up and help. “We all need to get out […]
Ontario shifting to virtual-first model in bid to halt spread of COVID-19
The Star article published Mar. 16, 2020 By Megan Ogilvie Family doctors across Ontario are rapidly transitioning to a “virtual-first” care model as a way to halt the spread of COVID-19 in their offices and waiting rooms. Starting this week, most doctors will talk to patients on the phone, by video conference or through email as […]
Bits & Pieces: ON state of emergency, COVID-19 updates & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Ontario declares state of emergency COVID-19 updates including memo Selecting an IPAC representative Virtual visit billing codes, PPE recommendations & steps to reduce spread Members’ stories Registration now open for Project ECHO Ontario Bariatric Network (OBN) series starting April 2, 2020 NPAO Patient Choice Award Upcoming […]
Bits & Pieces: meeting the Minister, working together for change tools & resources & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Meeting the Minister to discuss pre budget recommendations Working together for change Members’ stories Managing urinary incontinence in women: clinical tool Novel coronavirus updates Northern opioid learning community webinars, Mar. 5 & 26 Seeking volunteers for Early Chronic Kidney Disease priority panel OASW call for proposals […]
Bits & Pieces: practising equity-focused health care, improving cancer screening rates & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Practising equity-focused health care Novel coronavirus updates including OMA summary guidance Improving cancer screening rates and reducing related disparities, Feb. 20 Reminder- shortening the diagnostic odyssey: rare disease in primary care, Feb. 12 Members’ stories Spotlight on organizing primary care, Feb. 13 Two new quality standards […]
Bits & Pieces: novel coronavirus updates, pre-budget submission & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Novel coronavirus updates AFHTO’s 2020 pre-budget submission We’re on the move Members’ stories Shortening the diagnostic odyssey: rare disease in primary care, Feb. 12 Managing proton pump inhibitor use in older adults: tool Eliminating red and white cards posters Upcoming events on Advance Care Planning and […]
Essex County NPLC expands its services into Amherstburg
Windsor Star article published Jan. 21, 2020 By Mary Caton A long-awaited new nurse practitioner clinic opened its doors to patients in Amherstburg this week. The Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (ECNPLC) has expanded its services into Amherstburg under a 10-year agreement with the town. They also have clinics in Essex and Windsor The latest […]
Bits & Pieces: member news, Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act update & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Member news Reminder – we need your feedback for the 2020 conference Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act update Ministry of Health and related news Rainbow Health Ontario 2020 early bird ends Friday, Jan. 17 Upcoming events on Mental Health and Addiction QI and more Member news Couchiching […]
Why East Wellington FHT Joined the Guelph and Area Ontario Health Team
Excerpt from The Wellington Advertiser article published December 5, 2019 By Aryn Strickland, The Wellington Advertiser Joining the GAOHT made statistical sense for East Wellington Family Health Team (EWFHT), which provides clinics in both Erin and Rockwood, according to executive director Kim Bell. “First and foremost, we looked at our patients access patterns. So we […]
AFHTO members leading Ontario Health Teams
Originally published Jul. 30, 2019. Last updated Dec. 4, 2019 On July 18, 2019, the Minister of Health, Hon. Christine Elliott, hosted a town hall to provide an update on the next steps for becoming an Ontario Health Team (OHT) for those who completed a self-assessment. With more than 150 submissions received, OHTs are being […]
How Rapids FHT’s memory clinics can help Ontarians living with dementia
The TVO article published November 29, 2019 By Mary Baxtor, TVO The estimated 3,000 Sarnians who live with dementia often face long waits and travel times for treatment. But a new kind of clinic could change that. Fourteen years ago, Mary De Marco received a call from the rubber plant in Sarnia where her husband, Bob, worked as […]
City of Kawartha Lakes FHT survey finds FHTs a positive change, although health care cuts a worry
The Lindsay Advocate article published October 18, 2019 By The Lindsay Advocate The results are in from the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team’s most recent survey of patients across the local area. The data revealed some interesting findings on how local residents feel about their local care, the family health team approach, the health care system in […]
Chatham-Kent’s Physician Recruitment and Retention Task Force to bring more doctors to the area
The Blackburn News article published November 5, 2019 By Allanah Wills, Blackburn News The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is moving forward with a new Physician Recruitment and Retention Task Force aimed at bringing more doctors to the area. On Monday night, council unanimously approved a report that detailed the task force and its initiatives. The program will look at various […]
Ingersoll NPLC and other Nurse practitioners filling health-care gaps, despite lack of funding
CTV News article published October 26, 2019 By Avis Favaro, CTV National News and Elizabeth St. Philip, CTV News TORONTO — Amid doctor shortages across the country, nurse practitioners have been filling in the health-care gap in many communities, helping to diagnose and treat patients who don’t have access to a family physician. But despite growing demand, many clinics can’t get […]
Dufferin Area FHT and other local agencies to benefit from overhaul of Ontario’s health care bureaucracy
The Orangeville Citizen article published October 21, 2019 By Mike Baker, Orangeville Citizen Eight months on from the Ford government’s announcement of plans to overhaul Ontario’s health care system, service providers in Dufferin-Caledon feel our community is “well placed” to become one of the provincial leaders in the new movement. In this first instalment of a three-part series, the […]
Temagami FHT Marks 10 Years In New Clinic HQ
The Temiskaming Speaker article (PDF) published October 16, 2019 TEMAGAMI (Special) — It’s been ten years since the Temagami Family Health Team moved into its new home. The Temagami Medical Centre opened its doors on O’Connor Drive in the fall of 2009, at a construction cost of about $2.3 million. It’s home to the family health team that has a […]
Trent Hills FHT earns Spotlight Award
Northumberland News article published October 9, 2019 By John Campbell, Brighton Independent. TRENT HILLS — Trent Hills Family Health Team (THFHT) has been recognized for its support of families living in rural areas. In announcing the winner of its Spotlight Award, the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario said nurses at Trent Hills created the […]
Windsor FHT’s Team Care Centre recognized for streamlining access to care
Windsor Star article published October 4, 2019 By Lindsay Charlton, Windsor Star The Windsor Team Care Centre has received provincial recognition for its work in improving access to interdisciplinary health care. The Windsor Family Health Team’s Team Care Centre — in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association — recently won the 2019 Bright Lights Award […]
Bellville NPLC holds “Pap Party” for Cervical Cancer Awareness Week
Quinte News article published October 3, 2019 By Amanda Smith, Quinte News A local health initiative aimed at women returns again later this month. October 21 – 25 is Cervical Cancer Awareness week and there will be five local clinics holding a “Pap Party” aimed at catching cervical cancer in the early stages. Dr. Piotr Oglaza […]
Bits & Pieces: Focus on City of Lakes FHT, members in the media & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In this Issue: Focus on City of Lakes FHT Youth Opportunities Fund registration deadline Oct. 9 Executive Director OHT Mentorship Program Members in the media Collaborative Governance workshop slides Ontario Health Team digital supports Call to create transition fund to support patient medical homes in primary care Call for […]
Virtual Clinic coming to Elliot Lake Family Health Team
Elliot Lake Today article published September 17, 2019 By Brent Sleightholm, Elliot Lake Today Family Health Team responds to crush of patients without doctors in Elliot Lake Elliot Lake’s Family Health Team representing 10 family physicians along with two nurse practitioners and a cadre of other health care providers, allied staff who work with them, is […]
Dorset Hub Featured on CBC Podcast, Addressing The Topic ‘Can’t Find A Family Doctor’
CBC Ontario Today podcast shared on August 14, 2019 Covered by Rita Celli, CBC Ontario Today The Topic: ‘Can’t Find A Family Doctor’ Mark (patient) 11:43 I moved down from Nunavut almost 4 years ago where my medical services, for about eleven and a half years, were provided a couple hundred miles north of the Arctic Circle, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 – […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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’ […]
Brighton-Quinte, Trent Hills, and Northumberland FHTs Receive Provincial Investment
Inside Belleville article published November 10, 2017. Article in full pasted below. Sarah Hyatt, Brighton Independent Brighton — Ontario’s 2017 investments in interprofessional care were in the spotlight last week, as Northumberland-Quinte West MPP Lou Rinaldi made a stop at the Brighton Health Services Centre on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The province has committed more funds […]
Peterborough FHT and Partners Receive Funding for Gender Diverse Support Program
Global News article published August 17, 2017. Article in full pasted below. Jeanne Pengelly, Global News People journeying through gender issues will have access to a popular support program this fall that had been cancelled in March 2017 due to lack of funding. The Canadian Mental Health Association of Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge says a […]