Health Quality Ontario (HQO) is seeking volunteers interested in joining one of three Quality Standards Advisory Committees. Quality standards are concise sets of evidence-based recommendations designed to drive positive change within a particular area of health care. HQO has  begun work on a number of new quality standards and are looking for members that will provide advice to support the development of standards of care in Ontario.

Evidence from around the world, and Ontario, demonstrates that the introduction of primary care teams is providing patients with better care, at the best value. But one of interprofessional primary care’s biggest barriers is to attract and keep skilled providers. The key issue? Inability to offer competitive compensation to the non-physician health professionals and administrative staff who work in our community health centres, family health teams, nurse practitioner-led clinics and aboriginal health access centres.

New deal serves doctors and patients alike

Waterloo Region Record article published on Aug. 8, 2016. Article in full pasted below. Dr. Sean Blaine, Waterloo Region Record

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and the Ministry of Education currently funds Health Promotion Resource Centres (HPRCs)* in Ontario to provide training, resources and supports to health intermediaries working in community agencies and public health units to implement best practice programs and policies in health promotion and chronic disease prevention.

At this year’s Canadian Pharmacists Conference, Suzanne Singh and Tejal Patel were both awarded Patient Care Achievement Awards. Congratulations to Suzanne and Tejal for their important achievements! Suzanne Singh Honoured with the CPhA Patient Care Achievement Award for Innovation, Suzanne Singh is a pharmacist at the Mount Sinai Academic Family Health Team.

Registration now open for the AFHTO 2016 Conference! Leading primary care to strengthen a population-focuses health system October 17 & 18, 2016 – Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (ministry) has announced the launch of the fourth annual Minister’s Medal Honouring Excellence in Health Quality and Safety. This annual recognition program aims to honour exceptional work across the health system and showcase successes in cross-sector collaboration of health system partners to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care across the continuum.

Calling all AFHTO Members to shine a light on your team’s accomplishments. Nominate an outstanding team or individual for a “Bright Lights” Award by July 12, 2016

The “Bright Lights” Awards recognize leadership, outstanding work and significant progress being made to improve the value delivered by interprofessional primary care teams across Ontario. This year, ALL award recipients will also receive an education grant valued at $3,000. “Bright Lights” Award recipients are:

To the leaders of AFHTO’s member organizations: As AFHTO’s President, I’m writing to let you know our board of directors is launching the search for its next CEO.