The Niagara Health Navigator continues its development towards becoming a one-stop-shop for people to get health information more easily from Niagara Health and our partners. With the release of version 1.1 today, users can access new healthcare content to support their well-being.
Today’s Navigator release builds on the initial launch by adding five more apps covering a range of healthcare topics. Users can experience the new content and provide feedback that will help to inform the next release of Niagara Health Navigator to ensure it is effective and user-friendly.
“The Navigator is a made-in-Niagara digital solution that will make it easier for patients and families to access health information, navigate the healthcare system and connect with their care team,” says Angela Zangari, Niagara Health Executive Vice President, Finance and Operations. “At this stage, getting feedback is critical to the development of the app. We encourage everyone to provide their input to ensure the Navigator meets the needs of our patients, their families and members of the Niagara community.”
Available as a free download on a smartphone or tablet, the Niagara Health Navigator has been downloaded over 2,500 times. Release 1.1 adds five new features to enhance the user experience and further integrate mobile technology into health care.
New content featured in release 1.1 includes:
Healthcare Options: This feature helps people make the right choices to ensure they get the care they need, when they need it. Users can find a list of care providers in the community through the Empower portal.
The Ontario Caregiver Organization supports more than 3.3 million caregivers in Ontario. The Navigator links directly to the Caregiver website where people can access information about where to get support.
The Mental Health and Addictions app helps better connect people to important resources. There is information about the services available at Niagara Health and in the community. Links include Niagara Health partners Pathstone, which supports young people, and the Access line, which people can call for immediate mental health support.
The South Niagara Project feature will provide updates on the plan to build a new hospital in Niagara Falls. The new hospital will be an integral part of a connected healthcare system that will improve the patient and caregiver experience, enhance services, reduce wait times and introduce new ways to provide care across the region.
The Niagara Health Foundation supports high quality patient care at Niagara Health by funding medical equipment not paid for by the government. Users can learn how donors are making a difference close to home and how to support the Foundation’s work.
“As Niagara Health Navigator grows and evolves, it will increasingly put patients at the center of their care. The plan for the Navigator is to provide users with real-time access to their health information directly on their smartphone or tablet. Users will be able to book appointments and check test results,” says Sime Pavlovic, Chief Information Officer for Niagara Health.
