Bruce County has implemented a Community Paramedicine Program.
Bruce County Paramedic Services is now providing Community Paramedicine until March 31 of this year using Ontario Health (West) LHIN funding. At their meeting January 14th, the Paramedic Services Committee approved the implementation of the Community Paramedicine Program with just over $123,000 from the LHIN funding, with the hope the province may extend funding for the program.
The Community Paramedicine Program will focus on palliative patients with identified advanced care plans, as well as community crisis patients and high risk seniors waiting for long-term care that are having significant medical needs or strained caregiver support. Two full-time paramedics will cover Bruce County on a rotating basis, 12 hours per day, 7 days a week, using a specialized vehicle to provide these Community Paramedicine services.
Should Bruce County receive future funding, additional services could also include supporting high users of Paramedic Services who have uncontrolled chronic conditions.
Chief Steve Schaus says, “We are very excited to join the other services in Ontario that provide Community Paramedicine. We look forward to providing care to all our residents in Bruce County that require this much needed program. We are also very hopeful that additional funding will become available in the coming months so that we can continue and build on our Community Paramedicine Program.”
Warden Janice Jackson adds, “This program is a significant opportunity for Bruce County and community health care partners and is hoped to be the basis from which the County can expand a Community Paramedicine Program in the future. Supporting our residents that are most in need will help them remain in their own homes longer.”