Ontario is Expanding Innovative Models to Deliver Better, Connected Care in Haliburton-Kawartha Lake

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CHRISTINE BUJOLD, Office of Laurie Scott MPP

KAWARTHA LAKES: The Ontario government is launching new 9-1-1 models of care to 33 municipalities across the province.

Currently, paramedics are required to bring 9-1-1 patients to hospital emergency departments, even when other appropriate care and treatment options are available within the community.

A new model of care will be piloted in Central East Ontario, including Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County and Durham Region. This will ensure paramedics have more options to provide safe and appropriate treatment for patients while helping to protect hospital capacity during COVID-19.

The patient will remain in ultimate control of the care they receive and can at any time request to be taken to the emergency department.

“Under this pilot, paramedics can provide direct care to palliative patients and refer them to alternative health care destinations.

This is another example of how our government is continuing to find solutions to challenges COVID-19 presents while helping to shape our health care model for the future,” explained Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

Randy Mellow, Chief of Paramedics, City of Kawartha Lakes added, “The Paramedic Services are pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Treat and Refer Model for Palliative Care Patients pilot, under the new 9-1-1 models of care. Many patients with life-limiting illnesses prefer to be cared for in their homes and communities. The ability to receive care in this setting has been associated with improved comfort of end stages of life for patients, families and caregivers. This patient-centred initiative will enhance the ability of paramedics, as part of a coordinated care team, to provide the option for patients receiving palliative care to have symptoms, or changing care needs, managed at the right place (even in-home), the right time, and based on the needs of the individual.”

Each pilot project will be in place for one year and be evaluated to assess outcomes, identify where program adjustments may be needed, and how to implement new models of care throughout the province.

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