Community Update: COHT

Over two years ago, the Ontario Government introduced a new concept for integrated health care and enhanced system navigation.  This new model of care was introduced as “Ontario Health Teams”, with the overall goal of working with patients, families and service providers to co-design an integrated health care system, allowing for easier system navigation and enhanced transitions between providers.

With a positive reputation for collaborative working relationships, the Couchiching region was successful in establishing one of the first OHTs in the Province; now known as the “Couchiching Ontario Health Team”.   The Couchiching Ontario Health Team (Couchiching OHT) is comprised of over 20 organizations spread throughout Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn and Rama First Nations.  These committed organizations are working together to improve patient outcomes by coordinating all aspects of health promotion, disease prevention and integrated care as a unified Team.

As we progressively emerge out of COVID-19 pandemic, we are able to redirect efforts back to enhancing the concept of seamless, integrated care for our region.   For patients, families and care givers, this will mean easier access to services, more effective communication amongst providers and enhanced health outcomes.

The transition in the overall health system to a team based model, does require time to allow for system transformation to occur.   The Couchiching OHT has been working diligently throughout the pandemic to facilitate services such as COVID-19 testing, vaccination, virtual care and will continue to develop this innovative model of care to address the needs of our community.

Originally Published via OSMH