Congratulations to the 35 partners who have committed to forming an Ontario Health Team in Niagara — the Ministry of Health announced today that Niagara’s submission is one of only 31 selected from communities across the province to proceed to a full application.
Ontario Health Teams are being introduced to provide a new way of organizing and delivering services in local communities, and the Niagara community is well positioned as an early OHT adopter. Health and service providers across the entire geography of the Niagara region have committed to collaborate on one Niagara OHT, and they bring with them a successful track record of working together to improve health outcomes for the residents of Niagara.
“We have made tremendous strides in enhancing health and wellbeing in our region by collaborating together as partners in new and exciting ways,” says Niagara Health Interim President Angela Zangari. “The OHT model will offer even more opportunities for the partner organizations to work together as one coordinated team to strengthen the care we provide and create a better connected, streamlined healthcare system for all patients and families in Niagara.”
“In all, the Ministry received more than 150 expressions of interest, and we are extremely pleased with its support and approval of Niagara as a leader selected to move forward to the next stage in the planning,” says Zangari.
“As partners in this planning, we have learned a great deal and are committed to ongoing inclusive and authentic partnership,” says Executive Vice President Linda Boich, who led the initiative on behalf of Niagara Health. “This is a significant time for all of us in Niagara, and I am looking forward to meeting with the partners to discuss next steps in our work together to create a Niagara OHT.”
The next step involves the preparation of a more in-depth submission over the coming months, and this work will include engaging patients, families and other members of our community in the planning.
“Niagara Health has a long history of collaboration, and we are very proud of the partnerships – existing and new – that demonstrate our commitment to creating a healthier Niagara,” says Zangari.
