Community Health Centre

Melodie Zarzaczny of
The Osborne Group presents
the draft report of the
Community Engagement Phase
for the proposed Community
Health Centre for the
City of Kawartha Lakes.

In September 2007, the Ontario Ministry of Health approved Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes to initiate the development of a community health centre for this municipality. This culminated a three-year strategic commitment of the Community Care board of directors to advance access to a broad range of care services in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Community Health Centres (CHCs) are non-profit, community-governed organizations that provide primary health care, health promotion and community services, using multi-disciplinary teams of health care providers, social workers and occasionally, volunteers in the delivery of services. These teams, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, dieticians, health promoters and others are paid by salary, rather than a fee-for-service arrangement. CHCs keep people well by providing services that are designed both to treat illness and to promote health. Central to the philosophy of care is that it is delivered in an integrated team approach. They provide care for those who have difficulty accessing primary health care due to barriers, such as language, culture, physical disabilities, homelessness, poverty or geographic isolation. CHCs also care for those who have a higher risk of developing health problems than the general population, and provide programs and services to address factors such as education, employment, income, social support and housing.

A CHC's services are designed to meet the geographic population's priority needs. Frequently, as a non-profit health care facility, it, like a hospital, will rely on the community for help with securing or building a structure that is attractive for practitioners and accessible to clients. Community Care's experience in providing community support services in the City of Kawartha Lakes for more than 21 years will support the management of a major project such as a CHC. The addition of a health centre to the community is not just about additional health care services. It is a significant factor in enhancing economic development when people are assured of health care service, they are much more likely to move to this community.

Community Engagement

The first step for Community Care was a planning phase, so that the development reflects the priorities of the Central East Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) which is funding the initiative. The Community Engagement Phase was a key opportunity to engage local residents regarding their perceptions of priority services which should be available at a community health centre both primary care and health promotion. The thoughts of both knowledgeable providers and those in need of care regarding gaps in services or opportunities to expand services combine to provide a picture of potential service delivery. Community Care is worked with the Osborne Group to conduct the Community Engagement Phase. In the spring, Osborne representatives held several public meetings and focus group sessions with representatives of local service providers, in order to gather input and opinions about the current state of health in the community, and to identify future needs and concerns. Results of the public engagement phase were summarized and presented in a Draft Report in May. The draft report recommends continued involvement of Community Care as the steward of the funding for continued development of the CHC for the City. The report’s recommendations suggest the following staff would need to be incorporated into the Primary Care Team in order to undertake the services identified:

- Family Physicians and some access to specialists as required
- Nurse Practitioners
- Registered Nurses
- Social Workers
- Mental Health & Addictions Therapists
- Dietician Educator
- Chiropodist or Podiatrist
- Health Educator
- Community Worker

The report recommends that the main site of a Community Health Centre be located in Lindsay as a full-time operation. In addition, the report recommends establishing a physical part-time presence in smaller communities throughout the City, utilizing existing space and locations. Finally, the provision of a mobile clinic on a regular, established basis to offer services in smaller and rural centres throughout the City is also recommended. The range of mobile services would be modest but would include a nurse practitioner, social worker and chiropodist to travel in a customized vehicle.

 Next Steps

There are several steps remaining in the process of developing the Community Health Centre. Once there is agreement and approval as to the general direction that the CHC should pursue, specific details will be required to ensure financial viability, confirm specific partnerships and confirmation of a staffing model. Upon approval from the Central East Ontario Local Health Integration Network (CE LHIN) to proceed, detailed discussion of functional space planning, site development, lease/buy/build options and co-location opportunities will be pursued. A governance model for the CHC will also be established. The consultants’ report currently recommends that the Community Care Board and the CHC Steering Committee establish a governance model within the first two years of operation.

Location and staffing are two key components to address as part of the planning process. Community Care looks forward to announcing details regarding anticipated date for commencement of services as soon as possible. Stay tuned!

Links:

Association of Ontario Health Centres
Ontario's Community Health Centres
CE LHIN
Ontario Ministry of Health