Public Health in Ontario is going through a period of uncertainty. The Patients First legislation provides for formal engagement between Public Health Units and LHINs to support improved population health, including local health and service delivery planning. This includes specific responsibilities of LHINs and Boards of Health to establish expected outcomes, structures and interactions (including minimum expectations for frequency of interactions), reporting and performance measurement requirements and participation of Medical Officers of Health in LHIN management discussions.
Medical Officers of Health are wondering how their new relationship(s) with their LHIN(s) will unfold, particularly when the primary mandates of LHINs and Boards of Health are so different. If improved communication of public needs for health care results in better care delivery, we shall all benefit. As this rolls out, the Chatham-Kent Health Unit will continue to fulfil its many mandates of serving the public. Interesting times ahead!
To read more about the Chatham-Kent Public Health annual report for 2016 please see link below: