The Essential Care Partner Program is designed to allow essential care partners (ECP) access to care settings in order to provide vital support to patients during their stay. Unlike a visitor, who plays an infrequent social role, ECP’s provide patients with consistent support and function as a valued member of the care team. Currently, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital has an ECP program, and this valuable program is being extended to the greater Couchiching Ontario Health Team members.