While five new Ontario Health Teams were announced across the province on Thursday, Hotel-Dieu Grace Health Care says the local application has moved to the next phase.
The province announced Thursday that another 17 teams were invited to complete a full application, including the local team.
Over 40 organizations in Windsor-Essex, including all three hospitals, expressed an interest in applying back in the spring of 2019. Eventually, the team would be responsible for a connected system of care for more than 400,000 residents.
The Ontario Health Teams intend that healthcare providers work as a coordinated body, regardless of where care is provided. It would mean a system of seamless and integrated care for patients.
"It is our hope that as a region, we will move one step closer to create a Regional Strategy for Healthcare Planning and Administration, with a focus on improving both the patient experience and patient outcomes," saidHotel-Dieu Healthcare President and CEO Janice Kaffer.
On Thursday, Health Minister Christine Elliott announced new teams in the Algoma District, Niagara Region, Ottawa, Western York Region, and London-Middlesex.
The province also announced $25.5 million to support the 29 Ontario Health Teams operating now directly. $9.5 million will be invested in virtual care for vulnerable populations and those who have tested positive for COVID-19. Each team will also get $375,000.
The first 24 Ontario Health teams were announced last year.
