New health service proposal reviewed
More efficient use of sub-acute services for out-patients is part of a new plan for hospitals and health service providers in Eastern Ontario.
The Champlain Local Health Integration Network board (LHIN) has approved a proposal for a new long-term plan for making the best use of sub-acute services within the Champlain LHIN region. The LHIN oversees funding management and other planning for the Champlain health services region, which includes Ottawa, the Five Counties and parts of Renfrew and Leeds-Grenville counties.
LHIN administration has determined there are more than 870 sub-acute care hospital beds in the Champlain LHIN region available for patients who have finished with their acute care treatment and may transfer over to rehabilitation or other types of inpatient or outpatient care. These types of services handle stroke survivors, patients with acquired brain injuries, amputees, and older patients who have become debilitated following an illness or injury and are in need of follow-up support care.
The new plan was developed through the LHIN’s sub-acute capacity steering committee through consultation with patients, caregivers, and health service providers. It recommends earlyidentification and prevention strategies to help patients avoid future hospital stays resulting from relapse or new injuries or illness during their sub-acute care period. Monitoring patient care during hospital stays to prevent any hospital-acquired disabilities prior to release is also recommended.
“Significant investments” from the LHIN in home-therapy support, ambulatory services, and other community based sub-acute health care services is also recommended along with redistribution where possible of sub-acute bed space within the Champlain LHIN region.
This redistribution would be based on demographics to try to reduce the amount of travel time and distance involved for patients in sub-acute care. The plan also proposes making the most efficient use of convalescent units in long-term care homes.
The plan recommends a $5.6 million investment for the Champlain LHIN’s subacute care services program for inpatient care.
Most of the money would go towards more intensive rehabilitation services. Another $11.3 million investment is recommended for community-based services.
The Champlain LHIN board approved the plan and asked LHIN staff and their partners in local health services facilities and centres to develop a detailed strategy for putting the plan to work as part of the LHIN’s overall strategy for improving patient care and support services throughout the region.