Type of Intervention: New Tool / Service / Body
Sectors Involved: Health
Intervention Categories: Planning and strategy; Finance policy and financial aid; Financial aid to health services
Level of Jurisdiction: Ontario
Lead People/Agency: Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
Overview: The Ontario government has announced the introduction of five new Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) in support of the fight against COVID-19 and to improve care connections in the province. The new OHTs are in the Algoma district, Niagara region, Western Ontario, Ottawa East, and Western York. OHTs are part of the Ontario government’s plan to restructure the Ontario healthcare system to support integration. This structure consists of a single agency, Ontario Health, to oversee quality of delivery and improve clinical guidance, along with several OHTs across the province. Along with the announcement of new OHTs the province is investing $25.5 million to directly support the 29 approved OHTs across the province, with $9.5 million slated for virtual care. This intends to province more support for vulnerable populations and individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Full details here: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/07/ontario-announces-five-new-ontario-health-teams.html
Other links: 1 2
Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group
Evidence/Justification: This development is part of the Ontario government’s restructuring plan for the Ontario health care system. The government explains that the development of more OHTs will improve patient access to care and foster greater collaboration amongst care providers. They say that this is especially significant during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing the importance of collaboration and working in an integrated manner. The government explains that facilitating strong partnerships across Ontario will help better prepare for a potential second wave of COVID-19 and flu season.