In an effort to do a better job at providing services, the Central East Local Health Integration Network is looking for suggestions from the public.
Up until Sept. 21, the LHIN is seeking personal stories and experiences to be used during their integration planning process.
The organization is working towards their third Integrated Health Service Plan, starting in April 2013, according to a press release.
“Over the years we have always gone to the community and said ‘what’s important to you?’” said Katie Cronin-Wood, communications lead for the Central East LHIN.
Previous planning processes have shown the best way to engage local residents is to find out what their stories are, said Cronin-Wood.
The LHIN is looking for both positive and negative experiences.
“What resonated with them. What impressed them when they accessed a health care provider and why. What really frustrated them and what should be done to deal with that frustration,” are just some of the questions that will be asked, said Cronin-Wood.
Launching next year, the plan will provide a framework for the next three years, until 2016, with a focus on specific areas including seniors, mental health and addictions, chronic diseases and end of life care.
“We find that as people plan for the next three years they really need the voice of the resident or the voice of the patient or client to support them in their planning,” said Cronin-Wood.
Health-care providers such as the palliative care network and mental health and addictions network, will also be partnering with the LHIN in the planning process.
“At the end of the September, after all these stories are collected, we will be going to our board and saying … here’s the goal that we’re going to strive for over the next three years,” said Cronin-Wood.
The IHSP follows previous public-driven plans that saw a reduction in emergency room wait times, along with other improvements in health-care services, according to Cronin-Wood.
To learn more about the plan and complete the survey, visit the LHIN’s website at www.centraleastlhin.on.ca and click on IHSP-Integrated Health Services Plan.
Those wishing to fill out the survey in paper format can call the organization at 1-866-804-5446 and ask for a copy to be mailed to them.
Surveys will also be available locally by visiting a health services provider, such as the Haliburton or Minden hospital and requesting a survey.
Forms can me mailed or faxed back to the LHIN’s office.
The fax number is 905-427-9659, the mailing address is: Harwood Plaza, 314 Harwood Avenue South, Suite 204A, Ajax, ON, L1S 2J1.