88 community health service providers in the South West LHIN completed service accountability agreements as part of new accountability process
The South West LHIN Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) Board of Directors approved the Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreements (M-SAAs) of 88 community health service providers for the fiscal years 2009-10 and 2010-11. The agreements were approved at the South West LHIN's March 25th Board meeting in Wingham, and represent the conclusion of a new process for accountability between the LHIN and community
providers. As well, the agreements are another significant milestone in the evolution of the LHIN's role as a health system manager.
Previously, community-based providers negotiated annual funding allocations with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and signed operational agreements. That system changed with the establishment of the province's 14 LHINs by the government of Ontario in 2006. The new M-SAAs are two-year service accountability agreements signed with the LHIN that commit providers to several outcomes, including, but not limited to: service volume levels, performance indicators and balanced budgets.
"These agreements give the LHIN a much more detailed understanding of the service providers in the LHIN and how they are caring for their clients," says Michael Barrett, CEO of the South West LHIN. "The process of developing these agreements has provided another opportunity for greater collaboration with our community sector partners and will improve the LHIN's ability to build a more integrated, sustainable health system in the South West."
"We appreciate all the hard work that went into finalizing these agreements by service provider leadership and staff. This process shows a real commitment to working together on improving the health care system," says Norm Gamble, Chair of the South West LHIN Board of Directors.
Quick Facts
- Community Mental Health and Addictions (CMH&A) agencies, Community Support Service (CSS) agencies, Community Health Centres (CHC) and the South West Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) submitted their 2009-11
Community Annual Planning Submission (CAPS). The CAPS have been reviewed in detail by LHIN staff and Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreements (M-SAAs) were drafted and sent to health service providers (HSPs) for approval.
- The 2009-2011 Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement (M-SAA) process marks the first budget negotiation between Ontario's 14 LHINs and community providers. Signed by the boards of directors of both providers and their LHIN, M-SAAs hold providers accountable for operating within a balanced budget and maintaining agreed upon service levels.
- Ontario's LHINs have an accountability agreement with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. For information on the South West LHIN's Ministry-LHIN Accountability Agreement, visit the "Accountability" section under "About our LHIN" at www.southwestlhin.on.ca