QUINTE WEST, September 29, 2015 – Following six months of community consultation, investigation and analysis, a multi-disciplined group looking for creative solutions to a sustainable health care system in Brighton/Quinte West today released its report and recommendations to health care decisions makers.
The Brighton/Quinte West Health Services Advisory Committee was formed in April 2015 by MPP Lou Rinaldi with a mandate to develop a future vision for integrated and sustainable health services in the Brighton/Quinte West communities. There were 16 members on the Committee comprised of patient and community representatives, physicians and leaders from local health care agencies, including the Local Health Integration Network, Community Health Centre,
Family Health Team, Community Care Access Centre and Quinte Health Care.
“From our first meeting in April to our final meeting last week, I have been impressed with how this group has come together with constructive discussion, expertise and dedication to determine local solutions to health care challenges,” said Committee Chair Glenn Rainbird.
Rainbird explains that the Committee’s report is to inform local health care decision-makers of the highest health care priorities and provide recommendations for delivering an integrated and sustainable local health care system. These recommendations are based on multiple and varied engagement activities that gathered input from local patients, families, community members and health care professionals.
The report includes seven recommendations to health care decision-makers:
1. Significantly enhance the degree of collaboration and integration among local care providers, municipalities and social service agencies in order to meet evolving patient needs and enhance the quality of care in a sustainable manner.
2. Co-locate local health care services at the Trenton Memorial Hospital site, bringing together primary care, core hospital and community services into one central location.
3. Investigate the benefits and challenges associated with different ownership models for the TMH building.
4. Ensure, at a minimum, the following core services are retained at Trenton Memorial Hospital: 24-hour emergency room, appropriate inpatient beds, and relevant diagnostic, ambulatory and surgical services. In addition, ensure local patients have seamless access to more specialized hospital-based services within the region.
5. Recognizing the significant challenges facing recruitment and retention of family care providers in the area, create a coordinated Brighton/Quinte West Health Human Resources plan and recruitment/retention strategy, particularly aimed towards physicians and nurse practitioners.
a) This plan should be developed and implemented through a community-led committee that brings together the Family Health Team, Community Health Centre, LHIN, QHC, CCAC, municipalities and community members.
b) Request a review of Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care policies related to physician entry to practice in order to support successful recruitment, particularly in recognition that Brighton/Quinte is designated as a high needs area for physicians.
6. Promote community education and communication of what health services are available locally and within the region and how to access those services.
7. Maintain the positive, collaborative and constructive momentum of the Committee. Establish a Brighton/Quinte West Health Services Steering Committee to continue focused efforts and oversee the detailed analysis, sustainable viability assessments and implementation planning of the above recommendations.
“I would personally like to thank Glenn and his team for rolling up their sleeves in order to make recommendations that are important for the Brighton and Quinte West community,” said Lou Rinaldi, Member of Provincial Parliament, Northumberland-Quinte West. “I look forward to seeing the impact this vision will have in the future of Brighton/Quinte West Health Services.”
Contact:
Glenn Rainbird
Chair, Brighton/Quinte West Health Services Advisory Committee
613-848-0485