September 25, 2019
MEMORANDUM TO: Health System Partners
FROM: David C. Williams
Chief Medical Officer of Health
Ministry of Health
Dear health system partners,
In advance of the expected annual increase in health system demand due to the approaching influenza season, the ministry would like to provide an overview of actions we are taking to help partners mitigate and prepare for health system pressures. While concerns have been raised regarding the early season Australia has experienced in 2019, it is unclear what this means for Ontario given our very different preceding season and inter-season activity. Monitoring and preparedness for any early or unusual influenza activity in 2019-20 has begun and will continue throughout the season as per usual. This is also a year of change in the health system, and it is important that all parts of the system work together to manage the potential impact.
We are updating the annual ministry Planning Guide for Respiratory Pathogen Season, expected to be released by end of September. The guide will include sector-specific resources, planning considerations/expectations and recommended practices. This guide will also include an overview of response actions undertaken by the Health System Emergency Management Branch (HSEMB) throughout the influenza season.
HSEMB will hold its annual Respiratory Pathogen Surge Knowledge Exchange Webinar in October with partners from across the Ministry, Public Health Ontario (PHO) and other health system partners to provide an overview of the upcoming influenza season and readiness activities, highlight process changes from last year, and answer any questions. An invitation for this webinar will be sent to health system partners.
Please see the complete memo below for recommendations for health care providers in Ontario: