QIP Navigator and Guidance Materials now available
Login information for the Health Quality Ontario (HQO) QIP Navigator has been sent to all primary care organizations. All QIPs will need to be submitted through the QIP Navigator by April 1, 2014. If you have any difficulties logging in or have not received your password please e-mail QIP@HQOntario.ca for assistance. QIP templates and guidance […]
Ontario Heart Failure Strategy: Invitation to complete survey
Forwarded on behalf of Cardiac Care Network of Ontario: In the next few months, the Cardiac Care Network of Ontario (CCN) will be releasing the Ontario Heart Failure Strategy. With no cohesive provincial approach to managing heart failure (HF), the current system of care is fragmented with patients often falling through the cracks during transitions […]
QIDS Update 2013-11-26: EMR Landscape Report + QIDS Innovation Funding
REMINDER: Opportunity to apply for QIDS Innovation Funding A few days ago AFHTO announced the availability of $95,000 in QIDS Innovation Funding. Note that this one-time opportunity is very time sensitive. Interested applicants will need to notify Tim Burns (tim.burns@afhto.ca) of their intent to apply by December 6, 2013. This initiative will serve as a […]
Lessons in Leadership from the AFHTO 2013 Conference
During the AFHTO 2013 conference, nearly 900 participants gathered to learn and explore the theme “Leadership in Healthcare for Ontarians”. Engaging sessions delving into this important theme started with the FHT Leadership session where participants discussed the role primary care leaders could and should play in Ontario’s healthcare system, continued with the opening plenary on […]
Opportunity for AFHTO members to apply for QIDS Innovation Funding
AFHTO is very pleased to announce the availability of approximately $95,000 in Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Innovation Funding. It is anticipated that three to five innovative projects will be supported through this fund. Every effort is being made to maintain a simple, yet transparent and open process for the allocation of these funds to […]
Update on 2014-15 operating plan and budget process
In the course of a meeting of with the Ministry’s FHT Unit yesterday, we learned the target distribution date for the 2014-15 operating plan packages is in early January. FHTs would have two months to complete their plans for submission in early March. This meeting was the next step in our work toward achieving greater […]
Seeking FHT/NPLC board members to serve as advisors and/or peer facilitators for AFHTO’s Governance and Leadership Program
This notice is e-mailed to current board chairs and EDs, please forward to other past and current members of your board who may be interested. AFHTO has received Ministry funding to support strengthened governance and leadership for our members. This results from AFHTO’s advocacy and the Ministry’s interest in sustaining and spreading the work that […]
AFHTO’s input to OMA’s Negotiations Committee
Just before the AFHTO 2013 Conference, the OMA Negotiations Committee requested input from AFHTO “to identify potential topics or areas of focus that might warrant consideration during Ministry negotiations.” Their deadline for response was November 1, 2013. While the turnaround period was tight, the timing was ideal – two valuable opportunities to solicit membership input […]
Additions to Interprofessional Health Care Providers in FHTs
Memo to: Executive Directors, Ontario’s Family Health Teams From: Phil Graham, Manager, Family Health Teams & Related Programs, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Click below for print versions of the memo in English and in French: Additions to Interprofessional Health Care Providers in FHTs Inclusion de nouveaux fournisseurs de soins de santé axés sur […]
QIDs Implementation Update-2013-10-10
Highlights: Members named to the Quality Improvement Decision Support Steering Committee (QSC) Arrival of the first QIDS Specialists and the Provincial QIDS Team Steps underway to improve information and knowledge exchange with EMR Vendors, including EMR user sessions at the AFHTO 2013 Conference Community of Practice for Decision Support Team Members is being established ACTION […]
Update from AFHTO-PSS working group: report from meeting with TELUS-HEALTH
The AFHTO – PSS working group continues to meet with the PS Suite team from TELUS-Health to address the FHTs issues with the EMR. Recently, representatives from the working group met with the leadership team at TELUS Health to ensure that the FHT priorities and concerns were being heard by TELUS and would be addressed. […]
Report from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT unit – September 18, 2013
FHT Directors representing AFHTO and AOHC members met with the FHT Unit on Wednesday. To access the full report, please click here. The main focus of the meeting was the discussion on budget flexibility and accountability. The FHTs presented the position proposed by the Executive Director Advisory Council at their meeting of August 28, which […]
EDAC Update: background on 2013/14 budget reduction and input on future budget flexibility
AFHTO’s Executive Director Advisory Council (EDAC) met on August 26 with the main purpose of preparing for the quarterly meeting with the FHT unit later in September. At the same meeting, EDAC invited Phil Graham, (manager, Family Health Teams & Related Programs, Primary Health Care Branch) and Fernando Tavares (program manager) to clarify the context […]
FHTS to receive QIP feedback in next week (+ other support to come from HQO)
AFHTO is working on a number of fronts to support members in their work to improve quality. Last week we reported on support available to help members implement the QIDSS partnership agreements and recruitment/orientation for these new positions, and the sessions available at the AFHTO Annual Conference to help FHTs in streams such as Leadership […]
QIDS Program: Links to information from Aug.21 “Town Hall”
Yesterday’s interactive QIDS Program “Town Hall” was an opportunity to share information and gather input. Participants raised questions concerning sharing of QIDS Specialist positions, costs, and lines of accountability among other issues. These questions and others are posted on a “Frequently Asked Questions” document that will be updated from time to time as new information […]
Invitation to participate in a QIDS program town hall meeting for members
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 […]
FHTs are moving forward with QIDS partnership agreements and Specialist Recruitment
Family Health Teams have now received their 2013/14 funding packages. AFHTO is very pleased that funding for 34 full time equivalent Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Specialist positions has been confirmed for 33 “Host” FHTs. Up to 110 additional FHTs will have access to QIDS Specialist support and expertise through partnership agreements with Host FHTs. […]
Request for feedback: the 2012-2013 influenza season and influenza planning
Message forwarded on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Public Health Division. **************************** With the release of the 2013 Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic (OHPIP), the ministry is turning its attention to seasonal influenza planning and the scoping the Ontario Influenza Response Plan. To inform these plans, we are […]
ED Advisory Council to develop recommendations for greater budget flexibility and appropriate accountability
AFHTO’s Executive Director Advisory Council (EDAC) met on July 25 with the main purpose of preparing to respond to the Ministry’s interest in extending greater flexibility for budgets with corresponding improvements in the accountability reporting process. EDAC’s mandate is to advise the AFHTO board and staff on matters affecting the operations of our member organizations. […]
AFHTO, AOHC and NPAO’s present compensation recommendations to MOHLTC
Yesterday the Executive Directors of AFHTO, AOHC and NPAO reviewed their joint report – Compensation Structure for Ontario’s Interprofessional Primary Care Organizations with key members of MOHLTC’s staff – ADMs Susan Fitzpatrick and Suzanne McGurn, Provincial Chief Nursing Officer Debra Bournes, Melissa Farrell (Director, Primary Health Care Branch), Phil Graham (Manager, Family Health Teams Unit), […]
Quality Improvement Decision Support Program Update-2013-07-24
While FHTs await their 2013-14 funding letters (latest estimate is they’ll be out in 7-10 days), AFHTO has been working with a number of members to help FHTs prepare for implementation of the new Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialist (QIDSS) positions. A provincial lead has been recruited – Tim Burns joined the AFHTO team on […]
Aug.16 deadline to participate in proposals for expanding IHP services in community
AFHTO members may be interested in supporting applications from PEM physician groups that are NOT affiliated with FHTs to apply for Ministry funding to integrate IHPs into their primary care service delivery. August 16 is the deadline for these applications. Please see details in the July 19 OMA e-mail below. AFHTO has followed up with […]
Physiotherapy in Primary Health Care settings: Applications Due by July 23, 2013
The following information was released on June 27, 2013 via e-mail to FHTs, CHCs, AHACs & NPLCs from the Ministry: On April 18, 2013, the Minister of Health and Long Term Care announced that Ontario will be integrating physiotherapists into Primary Health Care (PHC) settings, beginning in the 2013/14 fiscal year. The initial focus of […]
Physiotherapy in Primary Health Care settings: Call for Applications will launch in last week of June
To assist primary care organizations in preparing proposals to integrate physiotherapists, the Ontario Physiotherapists Association (OPA) has share the following resource document defining the role of physiotherapists in primary care settings: Physiotherapy in Primary Health Care The call for applications to integrate physiotherapists into primary care settings should be sent next week directly to all […]
Update on employment of Physician Assistants
AFHTO members may be interested in the time-limited funding to be made available by MOHLTC in the “Physician Assistant Career Start” program and other news related to the employment of PAs. Click here to read the memo from Suzanne McGurn, ADM, Health Human Resources Strategy Division, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. ——————————————————————— In case […]
Letter to AFHTO Members: Nominations to the AFHTO Board open until August 1
Dear fellow AFHTO members: Are you interested in serving on the AFHTO board of directors? The Governance Committee of AFHTO’s board invites anyone who works within an AFHTO member’s team to apply. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AFHTOBoardNomination2013 to fill in the nominations form. Then e-mail your CV to sombo.saviye@afhto.ca. Application deadline is Thursday, August 1st, 2013. FOUR […]
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 […]
Advancing use of data and measurement in FHTs
This is an update for AFHTO members on activities to advance use of data and measurement in FHTs (scroll below for more information): Dr. Rick Glazier, Lead Scientist in ICES Primary Care and Population Health Program, joins AFHTO board AFHTO recruitment is underway for a QIDSS Project Manager AFHTO to establish QIDSS Steering Committee Status of […]
PSS Users: Update from the AFHTO-PSS Working Group
AFHTO and the Practice Solutions Suite team at TELUS remain committed to working together to resolve common problems faced by the FHTs using PSS. This is an update on progress to date. Background: AFHTO’s March 2012 survey of FHT EMR satisfaction revealed that about one-half of FHTs use PSS. While it scored relatively well on […]
Issues discussed at inaugural meeting of AFHTO’s ED Advisory Council
The ED Advisory Council provides a mechanism to surface operational issues, be a sounding board on operational matters, and give advice to the AFHTO board and staff as needed on these matters. The AFHTO board announced its creation in March. Please click here to view terms of reference.The inaugural meeting of April 29 enabled the […]
Strategic direction for AFHTO is renewed; 2013-14 plan is approved
AFHTO has a renewed vision, mission and strategic priorities to guide our work on behalf of our members over the next 2 – 3 years. The AFHTO board is pleased to present the Strategic Direction document, and thanks the many members who provided input through webinars and a survey. To move the organization along this […]
FHT Leaders’ Response to AFHTO’s Draft Strategic Plan – February 2013 survey results
To renew its strategic direction, the AFHTO board developed a draft document and invited members give input to via two webinars, held on Jan. 22 and 24, and a membership survey. Please click here to access the survey results. Responses indicated strong support for the direction. Some modifications were made as the responses gave valuable […]
HQO webinars now available online & QIP deadline extended to April 2 at noon
As you know, Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHACs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), Family Health Teams (FHTs) and Nurse Practitioner Led Clinics (NPLCs) are required to submit a QIP to Health Quality Ontario (HQO). To support primary care organizations in the development of QIPs, HQO recently hosted a webinar series. You can find each of the […]
AFHTO is setting up an ED Advisory Council
The ED Advisory Council is being established to provide a mechanism to surface operational issues, provide a sounding board on operational matters, and give advice to the AFHTO board and staff as needed on these matters. As the key link between their teams and the Ministry’s FHT Unit, EDs are in the unique position to […]
QIPs – NEW resources and general update
Reminder: QIPs are due to HQO on April 1, 2013 Templates and guidelines to complete QIPs: In English – http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/ecfa/legislation/qi_primary.aspx En Franҫais – http://www.health.gov.on.ca/fr/pro/programs/ecfa/legislation/qi_primary.aspx For questions about completing the QIP templates, e-mail qip@hqontario.ca NEW — Cancer Screening – Quality Improvement Toolkit available: For FHTs interested in including cancer screening in your QIP, Cancer Care Ontario […]
Primary Care Metrics now available on the Health Data Branch Portal
Please see the message below from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care regarding primary care data to support development of your Quality Improvement Plans: The Ministry has provided data for several primary care metrics. This data will support development and planning for Quality Improvement Plans and other quality initiatives. Important information on how […]
Ontario Government agenda outlined in today’s Speech from the Throne
A new session opened in the Ontario Legislature today. The Hon. David Onley, Lt. Governor of Ontario, set out the new premier’s agenda for the upcoming legislative session in the Speech From the Throne. The components of the Government’s plan are: a Steady Hand and a Bold Vision focusing on economic growth and increased employment; […]
Sign-up now for the wait list for Governance Training – additional sessions to be added
The following message is being forwarded on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care: The high level of interest for the Effective Governance for Quality in Primary Care training sessions is an indication of the level of commitment and enthusiasm of the primary care sector. Unfortunately this means that the seven current […]
QIDSS: Further advice on preparing your proposals
AFHTO’s Recommendations on the Optimal Configuration of the Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialist (QIDSS) Role were finalized after last night’s close of the membership feedback period. This morning AFHTO ED Angie Heydon and Senior Project Lead Clarys Tirel met with FHT Unit Manager Phil Graham and Program Manager Richard Yampolsky to discuss these recommendations. The […]
Quality update and new resources from AFHTO
This notice to members sums up all the recent quality-related initiatives to make sure you have all the information, and to introduce new resources available through AFHTO to support your FHT’s quality journey. Quality Improvement Plans to be submitted to HQO by April 1: The Ministry’s templates and guidance materials are found at: In English […]
PSS Users: AFHTO-MDPS Working Group is being established
AFHTO has developed an agreement with MD Practice Software LP (MDPS), vendor of the Practice Solutions Suite (PSS) EMR, to engage in regular meetings of a joint Working Group to resolve common problems faced by FHTs using PSS, in a mutually-agreed priority order. Click here for the terms of reference for the AFHTO-MDPS Working Group. […]
Governing for Quality in Primary Care, a free one-day training program
Registration for Effective Governance for Quality in Primary Care is now closed. Click here to go to the waiting list. The site also lists the objectives and full agenda for the day-long program. The program has been approved for 3.25 credits for certified Canadian College of Health Leaders members. A corresponding application for CME credits […]
Added support for FHT EDs at year end: new AFHTO staff and re-launched ED discussion forum
AFHTO is pleased to announce two new resources to support you through the crunch of operating plan and quality improvement plan submissions – a former FHT ED joins AFHTO staff and a new secure discussion forum to facilitate communication among FHT EDs. New staff: On Monday, Jan. 28, Clarys Tirel joins AFHTO on a three-month […]
Renewing AFHTO’s strategic vision and priorities: link to survey and webinar presentation
If you missed the AFHTO membership webinars this past week, click here to access the full presentation. It gives you an overview and update on the current environment for FHTs and action underway by AFHTO to support its members. AFHTO is striving to ensure your association continues to reflect the aspirations and respond to the […]
Inviting input on AFHTO’s strategic direction/Maximizing value from Ministry funding for FHT memberships
Thanks to our FHT members, AFHTO has built a strong foundation to serve family health teams. We are reaching out to FHTs to move to the next stage in your association’s development: 1. As FHTs and AFHTO have matured, it’s time to renew the strategic vision and priorities for this association. You are each invited […]
FHT Annual Operating Plans / AFHTO help will be available in January
Executive Directors: You have received your Family Health Team 2013/14 Annual Operating Plan Submission Package at some point today. Plans must be submitted to the Ministry by February 20. To support FHTs in this submission process, AFHTO will re-launch a Peer-to-Peer discussion forum in early January. This facility will help you seek and share advice […]
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 […]
Tentative 2012 Physician Services Agreement: A Family Health Team Perspective
AFHTO congratulates the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Ontario Medical Association on reaching a Tentative 2012 Physician Services Agreement. AFHTO’s Executive Committee has reviewed the agreement to assess what it may mean for family health teams. Overall, the tentative agreement contains a number of provisions that are aligned with the vision for FHTs […]
Update on Ministry initiatives to promote and support quality in primary care
“Faster access and a stronger link to family health care” is one of three key planks in Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care. To do this, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has intensified focus on improving quality in this sector. Here is an overview and update on Ministry and related initiatives to promote […]
Potential impact of proposed wage restraint legislation on FHTs
DRAFT legislation – the Protecting Public Service Act, 2012 – has been released for public consultation. It is very important to note that this proposed legislation has NOT YET been tabled for first reading. Government has not yet indicated how long it will hold open this consultation phase, but for comparison, the consultation period for the […]
Report from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT Unit, September 20, 2012
Representatives from AFHTO’s Operational Issues Working Group and the AOHC’s CFHT Executive met with the MOHLTC FHT Unit on September 20.The main objectives were to receive updates from the FHT Unit on budgets and other operational matters and to highlight “good news” from FHTs. The following is a summary of the discussions. a) Recovery of […]
Letter to AFHTO members: Nominations for election to AFHTO Board
Dear fellow AFHTO members: 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. The Governance Committee of […]
FHT Practice Solutions EMR User Group Priorities – June 2012 survey results
The purpose of this survey was to identify priority issues common to all FHTs using Practice Solutions (PSS). The survey was distributed to all FHTs that had reported through a previous AFHTO survey that they use PSS in their clinics (n=57 FHTs). There were 3 elements to the survey: Identify common issues across FHTs Prioritize […]
Priority issues identified by PSS users in Family Health Teams
Click here to access the PSS User Group report on FHT PSS Priorities. It presents a list of the 10 most common issues experienced by PSS Users in terms of frequency of the problem and its detrimental impact on FHT operations. Following from these, the PSS Users identified the following four items as the priorities […]
Post-Drummond Report and Budget: Moving Forward with Implementation of Health Care Reforms
Monday, June 11, 2012 This conference explored recommendations made in both the Drummond Report and the Action Plan that proposed a new local integrated health model. This model sets out primary care as the focal point, with access to health services shifted away from emergency rooms towards community care and alternative forms of care. AFHTO’s […]
Article in June 9 National Post
On June 9, 2012, the National Post ran a full-page spread on page A6 under the large headline “Unhealthy conflicts” and smaller headline – “Numerous irregularities found at Ontario’s Family Health Teams.” The online version is at — http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/06/08/ontario-government-faces-lawsuits-over-troubled-family-health-teams/ In response, AFHTO has sent the following letter to the editor: Family Health Teams are all […]
Letter from AFHTO board re MOHLTC-OMA negotiations
FYI — The letter below from the AFHTO Board of Directors was sent this morning, Friday, May 18, 2012, to Susan Fitzpatrick, Assistant Deputy Minister of MOHLTC’s Negotiations and Accountability Management Division, and to Dr. Doug Weir, President, Ontario Medical Association. ………………………………………………………. May 17, 2012 Ms. Susan Fitzpatrick Assistant Deputy Minister Negotiations and Accountability Management […]
AFHTO’s EMR survey – March 2012 survey results
The EMR survey was completed by 160 respondents from 121 FHTs (65% of all 186) in the period April 10 – 30, 2012. Thank you to all who took the time to respond. Click on the links below to find: A description of respondents and overall EMR usage A comparison of aggregate EMR ratings Findings […]
First time release of data from 5-year FHT evaluation study
The first set of data from the Ministry-sponsored five-year FHT evaluation study was released last week to 118 FHTs. These FHTs had participated in at least one of three 2009 surveys – facility, patient, and provider – conducted by the Conference Board of Canada evaluation team. In 2009, the 134 FHTs in waves 1 […]
2012 Ontario Budget: Highlights for FHTs
The central goal of the 2012 Ontario Budget is captured in the title of its news release: “A Plan to Balance the Budget, Create Jobs, Protect Education and Health Care.” The key sections for FHTs are “Transforming Health Care” and “A LONG-TERM PLAN FOR PUBLIC-SECTOR COMPENSATION”. FHTs may also be affected by the push for more […]
Updates from meeting with MOHLTC Primary Health Care Branch
AFHTO’s Operational Issues Working Group met yesterday (March 6) with Mary Fleming, Director of Primary Health Care Branch; Richard Yampolsky, Program Manager, FHT Implementation; Gayle Barr, Senior Program Consultant; and Erin Weinkauf, Program Analyst. Flexibility in Operating Plans and Budgets The need for greater flexibility, consistency and transparency in budgets was the central theme throughout […]
Updates on AFHTO support for members
Advancing a Performance-Oriented Model for Primary Care One of AFHTO’s strategic directions is to build evidence of FHT performance and value to patient health is. Key to this is the capacity of FHTs to make the IT/IM investments needed to capture and report data consistently and reliably, and to use it for improvement. Consistent with […]
Outcome of Meeting with ADM on Primary Care Recruitment & Retention
Outcome of AFHTO-AOHC-NPAO meeting with ADM on primary care recruitment & retention This morning representatives of our three associations met with senior Ministry staff to review the findings and recommendations of our joint report – Toward a primary care recruitment & retention strategy for Ontario. (See details below). Ministry attendees included three members of MOHLTC’s […]
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 […]
Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care: Highlights for primary care
The Minister made two presentations today, an early-morning prelude for a healthcare audience and the lunchtime launch of Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care hosted by the Board of Trade. Below you’ll find links to the full plan and related communications pieces, as well as a bullet-point summary of the Action Plan. The general direction […]
Responding to staff about media speculation on public sector salaries
Media reports on public sector salaries may be stirring up concerns among staff at your FHT. To help you respond, this e-mail gives you a brief summary of what’s being reported, and what AFHTO is doing about concerns over inequity in compensation. Headlines on the Toronto Star and National Post websites this evening (Jan. 24, […]
AFHTO sets up Operational Issues table with MOHLTC’s FHT Unit
FHTs want to deliver optimal interprofessional care to their patients and communities, and face many day-to-day challenges along the way. Some of the operational issues we deal with require collaboration with or assistance from the MOHLTC’s FHT Unit. To help FHTs become much more effective in raising and resolving these operational issues, AFHTO has established […]
AFHTO Bylaw #4 approved at October 2011 Annual Meeting
Click here to access AFHTO Bylaw #4. Having received membership approval at the October 25, 2011 Annual Meeting, this bylaw is currently in force.
Tools to make your voice heard in the provincial election
The upcoming provincial election gives each Family Health Team the perfect opportunity to build awareness about the value we deliver to our communities. People running for office need to know (and want to know) how well their constituents are being served through their tax dollars. Why is this important? To make sure all candidates running […]
Supporting FHTs through strengthened relationships with Ministry and key associations
In the past few days AFHTO has had meetings with the Ministry’s FHT Unit, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and the Association of Ontario Health Centres (AOHC). In all cases primary care is recognized as key to improving quality of care for patients and sustainability of the health system. FHTs […]
FHT Funding Agreements: MOHLTC to distribute revised documents this week
AFHTO has been working with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) to address concerns regarding the new FHT Funding Agreement templates. FHT Leads should be receiving from the Ministry, prior to the April 29 sign-back date, a revised agreement that addresses our key concerns with these templates. For […]
FHT Funding Agreements: deadline extended to April 29, 2011
Ministry staff are distributing today (April 15) a memo from Phil Graham announcing the sign-back deadline is extended to April 29, 2011. The memo reads: I would like to thank all those Family Health Teams who have reviewed the new FA and articulated their issues and concerns to the ministry and those who have […]
FHT Funding Agreements: update on the “employee requirement”
AFHTO has learned the Ministry is working on a framework for granting exceptions to the “employee requirement” that appears in all Funding Agreements. They expect the draft to be completed in the next few weeks. AFHTO was told that, at minimum, we would get advance notice of the content of this framework. AFHTO continues to […]
FHT Funding Agreements: update on Ministry’s new deadline
AFHTO has learned that all FHTs who requested an extended deadline to sign their Funding Agreement have received it. For some FHTs the new deadline is Friday, April 8, and others have until Friday, April 15. The FHT Unit has told AFHTO it will work with each FHT individually to resolve the issues the FHT […]
FHT Funding Agreements: OMA’s legal review / up dates
AFHTO has just received a copy of a review by OMA legal counsel of the FHT Funding Agreement – Physician Sponsored template. This is posted on the OMA’s members-only website or click here to view. Some comments in the review apply to the Mixed Governance and Community Sponsored templates as well, and so this is […]
Provincial budget stays the course for FHT funding for 2011-12
This is a review of the what the Ontario provincial budget means for FHTs, prepared for the benefit of AFHTO members. The good news for FHTs is government’s commitment to “protect education and health care”. In documenting its record in office, creation of 200 FHTs are once again mentioned as one of the key achievements […]
FHT Funding Agreements: recommendations for your FHT’s consideration
The Ministry template for FHT Funding Agreements has serious implications for FHTs, therefore this message is being sent to all FHT leaders, AFHTO members and non-members alike. This message follows up on an e-mail sent to all AFHTO members on March 25 and a related message sent to non-members on March 26. The AFHTO board […]
FHT Funding Agreements – concerns about “Requirement that all funded positions be employees”
The cover letter for all of the funding agreements MOHLTC has sent to FHTs contains a paragraph called “Requirement that all funded positions be employees”. This post: · Summarizes specific issues AFHTO has collected to date, from e-mails and phone calls with EDs & lead physicians over March 24-25, 2011. · Reports on outcome of […]
NP-SERT implementation
Click here to access AFHTO’s notes on the questions and answers discussed during the two teleconferences on NP-SERT hosted by MOHLTC on March 11, 2011. Click here to to access the Q&A document e-mailed by MOHLTC on February 1, 2011.
MOHLTC February 2011 Family Health Team Newsletter
Click here to access the February 2011 edition of “FHT to Print”, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s newsletter for family health teams.
FHT Leaders’ Response to AFHTO’s Draft Strategic Plan – February 2011 survey results
AFHTO belongs to FHTs and is the voice for FHTs. The AFHTO board of directors therefore engaged FHT leaders in developing a strategic plan, and in finding the way to build AFHTO into a strong and sustainable voice for FHTs. Building on the consensus achieved among 150 FHT leaders in November 2009, the board further […]
How FHT Leaders Interact With One Another – January 2011 survey results
AFHTO’s membership is our strength, and so we have been seeking input from FHT leaders to help determine AFHTO’s path for the next 2-3 years to ensure that it captured and reflected the key priorities shared by FHTs across Ontario. As a first step, we asked FHT leaders to fill out a survey to find […]
2010-11-23 MOHLTC’s Health Care Options campaign to raise awareness of FHTs
As mentioned in the 2010-11-09 Members Only update, “Health Care Options” ads are now running on TV and radio, following up from Premier’s Nov.1 announcement. The ministry has launched a public education campaign to raise awareness of the many health care options available to Ontarians. Their research has shown there are low levels of awareness […]
Creating Good Governance in FHTs – Survey Results
Creating Good Governance in FHTs – Survey Results In the spring of 2010, AFHTO and QIIP collaborated to find out how FHTs were progressing in developing their governance structures and their understanding of the different roles and responsibilities of individuals that have been charged with the leadership of their FHTs. Governing boards of health care […]
2010-11-09 AFHTO’s meeting with the Ministry’s Primary Health Care (PHC) Branch
AFHTO representatives met with the Ministry’s Primary Health Care (PHC) Branch on November 3, 2010. AFHTO’s aim is to work collaboratively with the Ministry to support the success of FHTs in delivering accessible, high-quality, efficient care to Ontarians; AFHTO was encouraged by the open discussion and positive response. This e-mail reports on the following […]
Creating Good Governance in FHTs – Spring 2010 survey results
In the spring of 2010, AFHTO and QIIP collaborated to find out how FHTs were progressing in developing their governance structures and their understanding of the different roles and responsibilities of individuals that have been charged with the leadership of their FHTs. Governing boards of health care organizations, including Family Health Teams, are accountable for […]