Chatham, ON, March 4 – The Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) and Chatham-Kent EMS are pleased to receive the Leadership in Community Paramedicine award from the Ontario Community Paramedicine Secretariat (OCPS). The award recognizes ongoing efforts to improve the health of the community and teamwork demonstrated in launching and expanding a community paramedicine program.

The Chatham-Kent community paramedicine program provides tailored support for complex patients identified through Chatham-Kent Health Links. The aim is to help patients experience easier transitions from one provider to another, including, for example, between hospitals and home care providers, with one patient story, one patient record and one care plan.

In addition to an intensive case management role, community paramedics can provide in-home visits, in-home diagnostic assessments such as 12 lead ECGs and point of care blood analysis. Community paramedics can also assist the Family Health Teams in providing earlier in-home assessments, as well as post-discharge from the emergency department or hospital medical unit.

“Ultimately, the community paramedicine program is an important step in reducing emergency department wait times and improving the wellbeing of our community,” said Donald MacLellan, General Manager, Chatham-Kent EMS. “Along with our colleagues at CKOHT, we are helping people stay healthy and in their homes as long as possible by getting the care they need in the place they want to receive it. It’s an honour to be recognized for the work we are doing to adopt innovative methods of patient care delivery.”

The OCPS supports the ongoing development of community paramedicine across Ontario – strengthening collaborations and partnerships, particularly with primary care, that can prevent hospitalizations and improve the patient experience as they transition from acute care settings back to the community. This Leadership in Community Paramedicine award highlights the successes of planning and implementing community paramedicine as part of a new approach to health care delivery.

“Chatham-Kent EMS has been a tremendous partner in our Ontario Health Team and its role in our community continues to grow,” said Lori Marshall, Co-Chair, Chatham-Kent OHT. “One of the key goals of our Ontario Health team is to improve transitions between health care sectors and relationships between partner organizations. The community paramedicine program is an example of how partners are working together to ensure a patient is receiving the best care possible in the most appropriate care setting.”

The award was presented on Friday, February 28, 2020 in Toronto during an OCPS two-day provincial workshop, which included best practice discussions with community paramedicine professionals and health care teams.

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About the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team

The Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team is a collaborative group of 15 local health care providers working together to achieve the best health and well-being possible for local residents. The CKOHT was officially announced by the Ministry of Health in December 2019 and is committed to co-designing a local health care system with improved access to care, enhanced system navigation and a better overall experience for patients, families and caregivers.

About Chatham-Kent EMS

Chatham-Kent EMS provides emergency ground ambulance and pre-hospital care to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. They are also responsible for a Community Paramedics Improving Patient Outcomes Program. Since 2015, this program has provided tailored support for complex patients identified through Chatham-Kent Health Links. Chatham-Kent EMS is part of Medavie Health Services, a national primary health care solutions organization and the largest contract provider of EMS management services in Canada.

Media Contacts

Maura Murphy
Senior Communications Advisor
Medavie
[email protected]
416-695-5921

Lori Marshall
Steering Committee Co-Chair
Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team
[email protected]