THE SOUTH WEST LHIN’S Integrated Health
Service Plan (IHSP) was finalized and shared with
the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care in late
October.
The Plan, one of 14 submitted by LHINs across
Ontario, outlines strategic priorities for the South
West over the next three years. Based on extensive
engagement with providers, consumers,
community leaders and the public, it is a bold
vision for the future of health care, tailored to the
unique environment and needs of our area.
To achieve integration, the South West LHIN’s
strategic priorities span traditional organization
and sector boundaries, foster innovative,
collaborative approaches to service delivery,
support and shared accountability for health
outcomes. “Integration will ultimately produce a
more efficient health care system,” says CEO Tony
Woolgar. “More importantly, it will promote the
well-being of individual patients, throughout their
lifetimes and across the continuum of health
services.”
The Plan includes four “integration priorities,”
with detailed action plans outlining in concrete
terms what must be achieved over the next three
years.
THE PRIORITIES ARE
Strengthening and Improving Primary Health
Care
The LHIN will support Family Health Teams and
Community Health Centres, connect independent
and small group family physicians with other
primary health services, and place a special
emphasis on people with mental health and
addiction conditions.
Preventing and Managing Chronic
Illness
The LHIN will develop and implement a
comprehensive Chronic Disease Prevention and
Management (CDPM) program to enhance
wellness and ensure that patients are treated
sooner and closer to home.
Building Linkages across the Continuum:
All Seniors and Adults with Complex
Needs
The LHIN will foster a seamless continuum of care,
provide rehabilitation across the continuum, and
enhance Long-Term Care services.
Accessing the Right Services, in the Right
Place, at the Right Time, by the Right
Provider
The LHIN will focus on delivering the right mix of
services across our area including health services
for children and youth and strong service delivery
in rural communities. In addition, the plan
includes two “enabling priorities” – e-Health and
human resources. Finally the plan outlines a
number of “implementation imperatives,” such as
transportation, health promotion, and education,
research and best practice.
“We will be building on a strong tradition of
collaboration and partnership in the South West,”
says Norm Gamble, Chair of the South West LHIN
board. “The Plan provides us with a way to move
forward together.”
Interested in knowing more? Visit www.southwestlhin.ca for a six-page
summary
or download the complete IHSP.