South West LHIN seeks public participation in setting health care priorities

LONDON, ON, Aug. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The South West Local Health Integration Network is developing a three-year Integrated Health Service Plan (IHSP) to identify priorities and strategies to improve our local health system.

A key part of developing the IHSP is hearing from health service providers (including Hospitals, Long-Term Care Homes, Community Support Senior Avenues, Community Care Access Centre, Community Mental Health and Addictions, and Community Health Centres), stakeholders and the public. The South West LHIN invites everyone to complete a short online survey, download a self-led group discussion guide to host a conversation with colleagues or friends and/or plan to attend a public meeting near you this September. Please visit www.SouthWestlhin.on.ca for details.

The IHSP will align with the Ontario Government's Action Plan for Health Care and work towards the vision of a fully integrated system of care outlined in the South West LHIN's Health System Design Blueprint - Vision 2022.

Ontario's health care system is a $45-billion system and the South West LHIN represents a $2 billion part of that important system.  We strive to ensure that the health care providers and local communities in the South West LHIN regions are reflected in the plans we make and the IHSP helps accomplish that as we work towards creating a more integrated, sustainable health care system.

See the attached backgrounder for a schedule of the public meetings, or visit www.SouthWestlhin.on.ca

QUOTES
"The IHSP is such an important document as it sets the course for health system transformation for the next three years. That is why it is critical that people become involved and we hope that by hosting various types of engagements in multiple forums, everyone will be able to have their say." - Jeff Low, Chair, South West LHIN Board of Directors

"The IHSP impacts every one of us and belongs to everyone in the South West LHIN. We hope to see a good turnout at our public meetings. We can only be sure we are meeting local health needs if we hear from the people who live it every day." - Michael Barrett, CEO, South West LHIN

QUICK FACTS
The South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) is a crown agency responsible for the planning, integration and funding of nearly 200 health service providers including hospitals, long-term care homes, mental health and addictions agencies, community support services, community health centres, and the South West Community Care Access Centre. The South West LHIN covers an area from Lake Erie to the Bruce Peninsula and is home to almost one million people.

BACKGROUNDER

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE

South West LHIN seeks public participation in setting health care priorities

The South West LHIN is currently in the process of updating its Integrated Health Service Plan for 2013 to 2016. This three-year plan identifies priorities and strategies for your local health system. Please join us to become informed and to share your ideas and concerns.

Complete our short online survey or use our self-led discussion guide to host a conversation with your colleagues or friends. For more information visit www.southwestlhin.on.ca

Learn more | Get involved | Stay informed

 

Video with caption: "Video: Shaping the Future of Health Care in the South West LHIN". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eKZurf74aJk

SOURCE: South West Local Health Integration Network

For further information:

Annabelle Mackey
519 672-0445, ext. 2573
[e-mail]

Toll-free: 1 866 294-5446
www.southwestlhin.on.ca