The Sault Star published an article July 13, 2023
By Jeffrey Ougler
Huron Shores Family Health Team will expand its employee roster, bringing in primary care services from a variety of health-care providers, including mental health supports.
The province said Thursday the plan it to improve interprofessional primary care by adding positions for nurse practitioners, registered nurses, registered practical nurses, social workers and physician assistants, to help provide home care, health education and other health-care services.
Positions include two social workers supporting mental health and addictions counselling, as well as a physiotherapist providing rehabilitation services, exercise programs and community fall prevention classes and to perform outpatient assessments.
Two registered nurses will also be brought on board to assess homebound patients, develop patient care pathways and plans for patients with complex needs in collaboration with a newly hired system navigator.
And a registered practical nurse will be recruited to support health education and other activities that assist, promote and support, patients as they “strive to achieve the highest level of health.”
Also, two nurse practitioners will be hired to support clinics shouldering physician shortages.
“Family Health Teams, like Huron Shores Family Health Team, are helping to transform the way Ontarians get care, making it easier for people to access mental health support and primary care,” said Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and Minister of Health.
“Our government is making it easier for Ontarians to navigate the health care system and access the care they need, when and where they need it.”