By Jesse Johnson
NORTH BAY – In late March, members of the Health Transformation Team visited the Southwest and Southeast regions to discuss Health Transformation and what that could mean for those communities.
On March 26, the Team held its first regional engagement session in the Southwest Region at the Four Points by Sheraton in London, Ont. Although attendance was low, attendees benefited from in-depth discussions on the differences between health transfer and health transformation; connectivity; the need for nurses; and, governance model modifications to incorporate traditional governance structure.
With a similar approach and outcome on March 27, a regional engagement session was held in Chippewas of Rama First Nation for the Southeast Region. Key points discussed were the high rates of medical transportation utilization; wage parity; cost-of-living; adding Health Business within the governance model; dialysis; long-term care; addictions; Suboxone; and, the substantial amount of additional proposals needed and being submitted to fund many of the programs and services that communities are currently offering.
As the Team continues its engagement process, some commonalities that are occurring in discussion topics surround traditional healing, mental health supports, and First Nation Non-Insured Health Benefits (FNIHB). One of the most common themes noted is the issues relating to the overutilization and underfunding of the medical transportation program.
A fourth regional engagement session is to be planned and coordinated for the Lake Huron Region in late summer.
Following the two regional meetings, the Health Transformation Team held a Working Group meeting on April 17 and 18 at the Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Previous Working Group meetings involved some incredible guest speakers but this meeting followed a different format. Breakout group sessions were introduced so that the members had the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities while offering any suggestions for changes on various focused topics.
The questions posed were about the promotion of educational careers in health, administration, and related operational positions. In addition to challenges and barriers to staff recruitment and retention, the employment of engagement strategies, and identifying the gaps and needs in health programs and services.
“The mixture of providing updates, giving presentations, conducting breakout group sessions, and incorporating some fun activities was a great way to break up the two days. Not only did it keep members engaged, but it was also a way for the members to contribute in a valuable way to the project,” said Loretta Nootchtai, Health Transformation Project Manager.
The next Working Group meeting will take place at Casino Rama in Chippewas of Rama First Nation from July 17 and 18.
For more information on Health Transformation, how to book and engagement session, or how to join the Health Transformation Working Group, visit: health-transformation.ca.