In a speech at the close of the OHA’s Health Achieve conference today, Ontario Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins, spoke about why he believes “we must undertake structural change to our health care system.” Key points include: • The need for government to improve equity of access to health services and outcomes for patients • Embracing a population-based approach to delivering care • To do this, the need for a system that is “deeply integrated at the local level” and “starts with strong local governance” • A much greater role for LHINs, including a role with primary care, and the possibility of merging LHINs and CCACs • Announcement of the first “Rural Health Hubs” in the coming weeks. Minister Hoskins committed – “Over the coming months, my ministry will be actively engaging with stakeholders and the public as I develop my plan for the next steps of system transformation.” Meanwhile, AFHTO is well-positioned to advocate and respond on behalf of members. Staff are reviewing the rich input received from members from last week’s Leadership Session and Conference on strengthening team-based primary care as the foundation of the health system. We’ll report back to members by end of next week and continue to work with members, the Ministry and LHINs, to shape the direction of the functional and structural changes ahead.
