AFHTO’s vision is that all Ontarians will have timely access to high-quality and comprehensive primary care – care that is informed by the social determinants of health, delivered by collaborative teams, and anchored in an integrated, equitable and sustainable health system. Our 2016 Annual Report,  Equity, Integration and Access: Shaping a Population-Focused Health System chronicles the work of AFHTO and its members to move Ontario toward that vision.

On behalf of the AFHTO board of directors, I’m pleased to announce that Ms. Kavita Mehta has accepted the offer to become AFHTO’s next CEO, effective November 30, 2016.

UPDATE - 05 October, 2016: Another story about this award-winning research project was published in the Amherstburg River Town Times.

AFHTO is pleased to share its 2017-2020 Strategic Plan. This plan builds on our experience which shows that team-based comprehensive primary care is delivering better health and better value to patients.

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.