LHIN launches 10-year plan to re-shape health care

TheNorthwest Local Health Integration Networkhas launched a 10-year plan to coordinate health-care services in northwestern Ontario.

LHINCEO Laura Kokocinskicalled the plan a "blueprint" and said itcontains 44 recommendations by consultant Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Theblueprint suggests ways toreduce demand for hospital services, lower the number of emergency department visits and improve"access to care and delivery of services in the community."

Kokocinskisaid health care has to be managed more efficiently both to save costs and to give patients better care.

Northwestern Ontario has a high rate of preventable and chronic disease.

Hospital care and emergency room visits are huge cost drivers, and theregion has the highest rate of acute hospital use in the province. The number of repeat emergency department visits are28 per cent higher thanthe provincial average.

Kokocinski said the 10-year plan aims to provide more care in the community for patients and reduce unnecessary hospital visits.

She saidit would alsocut downon duplication of services by promotingcoordination among hospitals, clinics and other health care providers.

That would happenthrough 14 localhealth hubs, as well asintegrated district networks in Thunder Bay, Rainy River, Kenora and the northern communities.

Kokocinski said the networks willhelp hospitals and clinics work together torecruit doctors and nurses andcome up with regional solutions like telemedicine, so patients don't have to travel as much for treatment.