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Home and Community Care Support Services is pleased to present our Annual Business Plan (2023-24) (opens in a new tab), which guides our work and supports us in achieving our mission of helping everyone to be healthier at home through connected, accessible, patient-centred care.
The plan was framed by direction from the Ontario government, which set a clear and important mandate for Home and Community Care Support Services to play a pivotal leadership role in supporting the modernization of home and community care across Ontario.
Last fall, Home and Community Care Support Services reached out across the province to partners, staff and the people we serve to help determine where we should focus our collective energies and efforts for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. We engaged with more than 1,600 people, including health system partners, service provider organizations, Indigenous and Francophone health leaders, our staff and our provincial community of advisors who represent the patients, families and caregivers we serve.
Thank you to all who helped in the development of our business plan. Your voices were crucial to ensuring our proposed initiatives and objectives would improve patient outcomes and contribute to our collaborative work as a health care system.
Collectively, we heard your support for the following themes under our four main priorities:
Drive Excellence in Care Delivery:
Through collaboration with service provider organizations, increase capacity through existing models and enhance accountability
Create consistent waitlist management/service guidelines and quality/safety processes
Accelerate Innovation and Digital Delivery:
Integrate our digital home care systems in collaboration with system partners
Advance virtual options and innovative service models in collaboration with system partners
Expand Telehomecare and virtual care
Advance Health System Modernization
Enable cross sector integration, collaboration and communication, including exploring innovative models of care
Develop standardization of processes, while also ensuring equity and access for Indigenous and Francophone people
Through collaboration with partners, improve intake and discharge processes
Invest in our People
Focus on workforce stabilization and staff retention
Enhance training and development opportunities, incorporating an Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism lens
We look forward to working collaboratively with partners, patients, families and caregivers to implement our plan and deliver on each of these strategic priorities, initiatives and performance metrics.
Together, we can continue to ensure exceptional care, wherever our patients call home.
We are ecstatic to announce that Home and Community Care Support Services has been named as an Excellence Awardee in five categories of the Canadian HR Awards (opens in a new tab)
At Home and Community Care Support Services, our people are our greatest asset and this is reflected in one of our four strategic priorities: Invest in Our People. Investing in our People ensures our teams are agile and responsive to meet the needs of patients in the community.
We are pleased that our efforts towards this priority have been recognized nationally by the Canadian HR Awards, in the following categories:
Most Effective Recruitment Strategy
Our approach to recruitment and staffing initiatives aims to stabilize our workforce and attract, develop and retain exceptional talent in a rapidly changing health care environment. The cornerstone of our recruitment strategy is our employment brand statement that serves as our career promise to staff and differentiates us from other organizations. We leverage our social media accounts, Careers and People Strategy sections on our corporate website, job fairs and internal channels to maximize our reach and engage potential candidates.
The CPHR Canada Award for HR Champion (CEO)
With a strong belief in the power of people, our CEO Cynthia Martineau’s transformative leadership has paved the way for organizational growth and employee well-being. Over the course of her relatively short 18-month tenure as CEO, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to HR excellence, leveraging the strengths of our team to transform, modernize and innovate with greater efficiency and effectiveness, deliver on priorities and demonstrate our core values of collaboration, respect, integrity and excellence.
Endorsement from our Board Chair
“Under the transformative leadership of our esteemed CEO Cynthia Martineau, our organization has experienced a remarkable journey towards HR excellence, fostering a thriving workplace culture and driving outstanding results. Cynthia’s unwavering commitment to human resources has been instrumental in shaping our organizational design, aligning HR practices with our strategic objectives, and champion a culture of inclusivity, transparency and accountability. With a visionary approach, Cynthia has successfully transformed our workforce, enhanced employee engagement, and positioned Human Resources as a strategic partner in our journey towards exception care for Ontarians.
Cynthia’s strategic initiatives and accomplishments speak volumes about her dedication to HR, driving operational effectiveness and fostering consistency provincially. Her province-wide People Strategy and recruitment initiatives have enables us to attract talent and engage our workforce in new ways.
Cynthia’s impact on our workplace culture, values, and employee engagement is evident through her personal interactions, regular town halls, roadshows and her social media presence. She has further strengthened the connection between HR and our organizational mission.
With these accomplishments and her exceptional leadership, Cynthia truly embodies the spirit of HR excellence. I wholeheartedly nominate her for the HR champion award, as she continues to inspire and empower our workforce, driving transformative change and enabling us to deliver exceptional care.”
― Joe Parker, Board Chair, Home and Community Support Services
Best Employer Branding
The launch of our Employer Brand Statement in 2022 has been key in establishing both name recognition and a strong organizational identity. Most importantly, our statement was shaped through staff engagement, capturing their voices and showcasing the functional and emotional benefits of working with us. Our employment brand statement embodies the collective voices of our employees, reflects our organizational values and positions us as an employer of choice within the health care sector.
Canadian HR Leader of the Year (Chief Human Resources Officer)
Our Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Tweedy leads with incredible tenacity and dedication to creating an ideal workplace for our employees. Facing unique challenges in her current role, Lisa is shaping our organization through her people-first approach. Lisa has proven to be an adaptable, dedicated and innovative HR Leader. She is committed to creating a supportive culture for all staff so they have the resources they need to help everyone be healthier at home through connected, accessible, patient-centred care.
This accomplishment would not be possible without the dedicated, passionate workforce at Home and Community Care Support Services. We will continue to build on the accomplishments of our People Strategy so that we may continue to cultivate a unified, positive culture that reflects our values and empowers staff to achieve our organization’s mission and vision.
Endorsement from our Chair, Human Resources, Diversity, Equity and Communications Board Committee
“I am delighted to support the nomination of Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Tweedy for the prestigious HR Leader of the Year award. Lisa’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to creating an ideal workplace have truly set her apart. Her expertise in human resources law and policy development, coupled with her focus on leadership, has been invaluable to our organization.
Amidst the unique challenges we face in the health care sector, Lisa’s people-first approach has been instrumental in shaping our organization. Despite the ever-changing health care landscape and the added strain of COVID-19, Lisa has successfully navigated the complexities of retaining and attracting talent. Furthermore, Lisa’s leadership during the reorganization and rebranding of our organization in April 2021, consolidating 14 entities into one, has been nothing short of remarkable.
Under Lisa’s guidance, our HR strategy, aptly named People Strategy, has become the cornerstone of our workforce stabilization efforts and investment in our teams. Her vision of fostering a unified culture among previously distinct corporate entities is being realized through the implementation of strategic initiatives that prioritize the right people, right skills, and the right mindset to achieve our goals.
Lisa Tweedy is a true HR leader, and I am immensely proud to support her nomination for this well-deserved recognition. Her extraordinary dedication and transformative leadership have made a lasting impact on our organization and the lives of our employees.”
― Glenna Raymond, Chair, Human Resources, Diversity, Equity and Communications Committee of the Board
Best HR Communications Strategy
To communicate effectively, we use a variety of tools: email, intranet, newsletters, videos, town halls and meetings. This versatile approach to communicating is used to highlight the benefits of our People Strategy, which unites all 14 Home and Community Care Support Services organizations. Our Communications team emphasizes the importance of creating channels for staff to provide feedback, such as through Q&As and surveys. The skillsets our staff possess are diverse, and utilizing their expertise ensures all our work is aligned with our vision of providing exceptional care to patients – wherever they call home.
Over 100 caregivers from across Ontario were recognized today as part of the inaugural Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event, hosted by Home and Community Care Support Services.
The Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program celebrates unpaid caregivers whose selfless dedication and kindness makes it possible for people to live their lives in their communities despite the impacts of age, illness or disability. Nominations were open to the public between February 23 and April 24 for six different categories, with the only criteria being that caregivers must be providing care to a patient who has recently received or is currently receiving services through Home and Community Care Support Services and is not a paid or registered volunteer caregiver. The event was simulcast across the province with in-person events taking place in Toronto, Hamilton, Markham, Brampton and Chatham.
Attendees heard inspirational and powerful caregiver stories demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and the remarkable lengths people will go to when caring for a loved one. From the more than 100 nominees, 10 stories received special recognition under six categories. Each category describes a different caregiver journey.
Category
Criteria
Recipients
Young
Caregiver
This category recognizes the extraordinary
efforts of a friend or family member under the age of 30 years who has gone
above and beyond to support the needs of a loved one.
The impactful caregiver stories and learnings shared during the event and throughout the nomination period will be carried forward to develop the broader Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program, which will continue to support and engage with caregivers across Ontario throughout the year.
QUOTES:
“Caregivers are a vital part of the fabric of our communities. They ease some of the burden off our health care workers, provide support to our most vulnerable, and give them a sense of comfort and familiarity as they face life-altering challenges. To all the award recipients, congratulations on this well-deserved honour. This recognition is a testament to your hard work and to the sacrifices you make every day to help someone in need.” – Premier Doug Ford
“Congratulations to everyone nominated as part of the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event. Your extraordinary commitment to providing support and care to family members, friends, or members of your community is having a tremendous impact on many people’s lives. As we continue working to build a stronger and more connected health care system, our government is expanding access to home and community care, including additional caregiver supports, and we are listening and learning from caregivers, families, and patients’ experiences.” – Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones
“Home and Community Care Support Services is honoured to celebrate caregivers across the province through our inaugural Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program. Every day, our 14 Home and Community Care Support Services organizations coordinate in-home and community-based care for thousands of patients across the province, and we couldn’t do it without the incredible unpaid caregivers in our communities. We know caregivers do what they do out of compassion and love, and we are proud to celebrate them as important health care partners.” – Cynthia Martineau, Home and Community Care Support Services CEO
“On behalf of the Board of Directors at Home and Community Care Support Services, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude and praise to the nominees of our inaugural Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program. While we recognize that being an unpaid caregiver can feel like a thankless job, we want these dedicated caregivers to know that their contributions do not go unnoticed. Highlighting them through the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program is a small gesture that allows us to recognize and thank this group of exceptional people.” – Joe Parker, Home and Community Care Support Services Board Chair
With significant snowfall affecting many parts of the province, Home and Community Care Support Services is making every effort to maintain continuity of patient care, as well as consider the safety of home care workers.
Depending on weather conditions, delays, postponements or cancellation of home visits may occur in some areas. Patients will be notified by their service provider about changes to their scheduled care appointment. Those who wish to cancel or reschedule their visit should contact their service provider directly or contact our access line at 310-2222 (no area code needed).
During this weather event, patients with scheduled nursing care clinic appointments should call the clinic before leaving home. Also, should patients wish to cancel or reschedule their appointments please call the clinic.
Given the unpredictable weather, we encourage patients to consider affirming or activating their back-up plans for care in case they are needed.
We anticipate regular service will resume as quickly as possible once the storm has cleared and conditions are safe for travel.
We thank our patients and families in advance for their patience during this challenging time. And finally, a reminder, in case of a medical emergency, please call 911.
Starting May 2, Home and Community Support Services has reopened our offices to the public.
To keep our patients, their families and caregivers, as well as our partners and staff safe, our administrative offices were closed to the public for most of the pandemic. We found innovative ways to provide virtual care to our patients during times of high risk, while also continuing to deliver vital face-to-face care to patients, residents, and clients in their homes, by their hospital bedsides, and in other clinical settings.
You can also call 310-2222 (no area code needed) or 1 800-811-5146 if you have questions, or if you feel that you or your family member need health-care support at home, at school or in the community.
The following locations are now open if you want to stop by with questions or to say hello.
Locations
Bancroft, 1 Manor Lane, Bancroft, ON
Barrie 15 Sperling Drive, Suite 100 Barrie, ON L4M 6K9
Belleville, 470 Dundas St. East, Belleville, ON
Brampton, 199 County Court Blvd, Brampton
Brantford, 195 Henry St, Unit 4, Brantford
Brockville, 555 California Ave, Unit 1, Brockville, ON
Burlington, 440 Elizabeth St, 4th Floor, Burlington
Campbellford, 119 Isabelle Street, Campbellford, ON
Chatham Office 180 Riverview Drive Chatham, ON
Cornwall 709 Cotton Mill St, Cornwall, ON K6H 7K7
Etobicoke Office, 401 The West Mall, Suite 1001, Etobicoke, Ontario M9C 5J5
Haliburton, 73 Victoria Street, Haliburton, ON
Hamilton, 211 Pritchard Rd, Hamilton
Hawkesbury, 119 Main St, East, Suite 101, Hawkesbury, ON K6A 1A1
Kingston, 1471 John Counter Blvd. Kingston, ON
Lindsay, 370 Kent Street, Lindsay, ON
London – Head Office, 356 Oxford Street West, London, ON N6H 1T3
Mississauga Office, 2655 North Sheridan Way, Suite 140, Mississauga, Ontario L5K 2P8
North Bay, 1164 Devonshire Ave., North Bay
Ottawa – Bells Corners 301 Moodie Dr, Suite 105, Ottawa, ON K2H 9C4
Owen Sound, 1415 1st Avenue West, Suite 3009, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8
Pembroke, 1100 Pembroke St, East, Pembroke, ON K8A 6Y7
Peterborough, 700 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, ON
Port Hope, 151A Rose Glen Road, Port Hope, ON
Renfrew, 850 O’Brien Rd, Unit 8, Renfrew, Ontario, K7V 3Z4
Sarnia Office 1150 Pontiac Drive Sarnia, ON
Scarborough, 100 Consillium Place, Scarborough, ON
Simcoe, 76 Victoria St, Simcoe
Smiths Falls, 52 Abbott St. North, Smiths Falls, ON
Catherines, 149 Hartzel Rd, St. Catharines
Thomas, 1063 Talbot St, Unit 70, St Thomas, ON N5P 1G4
Stratford, 65 Lorne Avenue East, Stratford, ON N5A 6S4
Timmins, 330 Second Ave, Suite 101 Timmins
Thunder Bay 961 Alloy Dr., Thunder Bay
Toronto Offices
Toronto Our main office is located near Highway 404 and Highway 7 – at 11 Allstate Parkway, Suite 500, Markham, Ontario, L3R 9TB. We also have an office in Newmarket and North York.
Waterloo, 141 Weber Street South, Waterloo ON, N2J 2A9
Whitby, 920 Champlain Court, Whitby, ON
Winchester, 530 Fred St, Suite D, PO. Box 209, Winchester, ON K0C 2K0
Windsor Office 5415 Tecumseh Road E. Windsor, ON
Woodstock, 1147 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 8W3
Ensuring the health and safety of staff, clients and health care partners is a top priority
UPDATED MARCH 14, 2022
As of March 14, 2022, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced (opens in a new tab) that Directive 6 is no longer in effect, however health care organizations who have not already done so continue to be strongly encouraged to integrate immunization policies into their existing policies and procedures. To protect our patients, their caregivers and families, our staff and health system partners, Home and Community Care Support Services’ mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy remains in place and all employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination has been a key component of our COVID-19 response and offers safe and effective protection against hospitalization and severe outcomes.
Home and Community Care Support Services staff and providers continue the appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment, including masks and face shields, complete daily health screening and follow practices and guidelines set by Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of Health.
TORONTO, Sept 3, 2021 –Home and Community Care Support Services is implementing a mandatory vaccination policy that requires its staff across the province to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
On Tuesday, August 17, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued Directive #6 (opens in a new tab) mandating that all hospitals and home and community care service providers implement a COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees, physicians, contractors, students/learners and volunteers effective September 7, 2021. Organizations have the ability to put in place additional policies or measures based on their context.
The Home and Community Care Support Services Vaccine Policy requires all employees to provide documentation proving they are fully vaccinated. Staff who have a valid medical exemption will be required to undergo regular COVID-19 testing up to three times weekly.
“Home and Community Care Support Services values the health and safety of our staff, patients, families and health system partners and is committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19,” says Interim CEO Donna Cripps. “While we respect each person’s choice to be vaccinated or not, safety must remain a priority. Getting vaccinated is important for our collective health, so we are asking that our employees make the commitment to be fully vaccinated.”
Home and Community Care Support Services is also working closely with all provincially contracted Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) to ensure their compliance with Directive #6. The SPOs provide care through nurses, personal support workers and other professional services to patients.
Additionally, Home and Community Care Support Services staff and providers continue to use Personal Protective Equipment, including masks and face shields, complete daily health screening and follow practices and guidelines set by Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of Health.
QUICK FACTS
· On April 1, 2021, the 14 Local Health Integration Networks began operating under a new business name, Home and Community Care Support Services, to reflect a singular mandate to deliver home care and long-term care placement services and to provide referrals to community services.
· The Home and Community Care Support Services organizations are Crown agencies that serve over 674,000 patients per year.
· This renewed governance for home care is part of the government’s plan to modernize home and community care as part of an integrated health care system providing coordinated care for patients through Ontario Health Teams. Ontario Health Teams will work together to understand a patient’s full health care history, directly connect them to the different types of care they need and help patients 24/7 in navigating the health care system.
· There are no changes to how patients and caregivers access home and community care services.
· For information and referrals related to home and community care and long-term care home placement, patients can continue to call 310-2222 (English) or 310-2272 (French), no area code is required.
MEDIA CONTACT
Dave Richie Director, Transition Communications and Engagement Home and Community Care Support Services Dave.Richie@hccontario.ca
About Home and Community Care Support Services
Home and Community Care Support Services (formerly known as Local Health Integration Networks) has a focused mandate to deliver local health care services such as home care, access to community services and long-term care home placement. These agencies previously had additional responsibilities for local health system funding and management, but these functions were transferred to and assumed by Ontario Health on April 1, 2021.
Home and Community Care Support Services is dedicated to ensuring the ongoing delivery of local services while Ontario makes changes to improve the health care system to give patients better connected care with health care providers working as one coordinated team in Ontario Health Teams.
Although these agencies are operating under new business names, services and contact information remain the same, including home and community care, long-term care home placement and help finding services and local doctors.
Chair of the Board, Joe Parker, welcomes three new board members to expand the expertise and skills on the Home and Community Care Support Services Board of Directors.
TORONTO, March 9, 2022 – Home and Community Care Support Services is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors: John Beardwood, Kate Fyfe and Shanti Gidwani. Their combined expertise further enhances oversight of our organizations and the continued provision of high-quality home care services.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome John, Kate and Shanti to our remarkable team of industry leaders,” says Joe Parker, Chair of the Board of Directors for Home and Community Care Support Services. “The skillsets and collective experiences that these three highly accomplished individuals bring to our diverse team helps us provide strong governance and a stable foundation for the delivery of our mandate. Our board will continue to ensure the people of Ontario receive exceptional care – wherever they call home.”
“Our government is committed to building a better, connected health care system centred on the needs of patients,” says Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Across the province, home and community care plays a critical role in ensuring Ontarians remain safe and healthy in their homes, and our government continues to take thoughtful, gradual steps to modernize home and community care to allow for the seamless coordination of services across Ontario. I am pleased to welcome John, Kate and Shanti to this exciting journey.”
Home and Community Care Support Services organizations are responsible for home care delivery, long-term care home placement and facilitating access to community services. Operating under one CEO and one Board of Directors to ensure continuity of services across the province, the organizations have a focused mandate to improve the delivery of home care as part of the government’s plan to build an integrated, connected health care system centred on the needs of patients through Ontario Health Teams.
QUICK FACTS
Home and Community Care Support Services organizations have a focused mandate to deliver home care, long-term care home placement, as well as help connect people with community services and primary care.
Each year, 8,600 staff serve or support more than 674,000 patients of all ages.
Every day, Home and Community Care Support Services provides: 22,000 nursing visits; 3,000 therapy visits; and 85,000 hours of personal support care.
Find your local Home and Community Care Support Services here. To refer yourself or someone you know for care, call 310-2222 (English) or 310-2272 (French), no area code is needed.
To read more about our Board of Directors, click here.
BOARD MEMBER BIOS
John Beardwood
John Beardwood is a senior partner at Fasken and the Past Chair of the firm’s Technology practice group. He was the Co-Founder of both the Outsourcing practice group and the Privacy and Access to Information practice group. His practice is focused on technology, outsourcing and procurement, and privacy law matters.
John works closely with clients in advising on and negotiating various technology-related transactions, including outsourcing/procurement, licensing, development, implementation, distribution, technology transfer, strategic alliance and e-commerce-related transactions. John has worked with a variety of industries, including health care, financial/insurance institutions and the public sector. John often advises clients on privacy law and access to information matters, and has been developing and implementing privacy compliance programs for more than 20 years.
John holds an Honours BA in History and Political Science from McMaster University, an MA in Political Science from McMaster and completed his Law Degree at the University of Toronto.
Kate Fyfe
Kate Fyfe is the President & CEO of Timmins and District Hospital. With over 25 years of senior executive experience, Kate brings a wealth of experience in acute care, mental health and health system settings.
Throughout her career, Kate has worked collaboratively with system partners to improve accountability, performance, access to care and quality outcomes. While focusing on improving access to quality care, Kate has also led a variety of transformational projects related to care delivery and the implementation of broad structural changes to our health system.
An active member in her community, Kate has provided leadership and guidance on the COVID-19 Municipal Emergency Response Team, and currently sits on the Board of Timmins Academic Family Health Team. A true Northerner, Kate continues to focus her energy on building stronger, equitable and healthier local communities and improving population health outcomes across our health system.
Kate holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa, is a Certified Professional Accountant / Chartered Accountant and has completed the Rotman Advanced Health Leadership Program.
Shanti Gidwani
Shanti Gidwani is a health care business leader with a diverse international clinical background and more than 25 years’ experience. She is passionate about breaking down the complexities of health care environments and supporting the necessary but complicated cultural shifts.
In 2021, Shanti joined Gartner Consulting as an Associate Partner where she is responsible for health care consulting opportunities and business development. Prior to Gartner, she was the National Director of Healthcare at Cisco Canada, responsible for the transformation of how health care is delivered across Canada and improving patient outcomes and experiences through technology.
Prior to Cisco, she was a health care consultant for the World Health Organization (European Region and International) before beginning her own health care consulting practice in Canada. Throughout her career, Shanti has worked with a variety of organizations, including First Nations communities, post-secondary institutions, regional health authorities and the provincial government of British Columbia in Canada.
Shanti holds an honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and Zoology (French minor) from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thompson Rivers University and Master of Health Administration and Master of Science in Nursing degrees from the University of British Columbia. She also has Certified Health Executive status with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and previously held a nursing license with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals.
On Home and Community Care Support Services’ origin: On April 1, 2021, Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) began operating under a new business name, Home and Community Care Support Services, to reflect a focused mandate to deliver home care, long-term care placement services, and referrals to community services. On this same day, previous responsibilities for local health system funding and management was transferred to Ontario Health. A cross-appointed Board and CEO for the 14 agencies was introduced on July 1, 2021 as part of the government’s plan to modernize home and community care as part of an integrated health care system providing coordinated care for patients.
We have updated all Home and Community Care Support Services email addresses to reflect our new name.
This means our staff now have new email addresses ending in “@hccontario.ca”—replacing “@lhins.on.ca.” Please update your contacts with this new information accordingly.
Rest assured, there will be no disruption to service or contacting us because of this email change, and any emails sent to old email addresses will still be received by the intended person.
As we manage Omicron – a new virulent phase of the COVID-19 pandemic – we want you to know that Home and Community Care Support Services is here to support you, whether you’re a health care partner, patient or family member.
As a pillar of the health care system, Home and Community Care Support Services is doing its part by supporting hospitals from being overwhelmed, connecting people to care so that they can weather this from home, and sharing our collective expertise to support other health care partners in need of our help.
I’m sure it comes as no surprise, that like the rest of the province, Home and Community Care Support Services has also been impacted by this latest variant. However, as CEO I remain hopeful despite the challenges we are collectively facing. This hope stems from the dedication and compassion I’ve witnessed in our staff and our partners, and in our provincial efforts to vaccinate everyone who is eligible.
This impact to health human resources means that in some of our geographies we are working with our service providers to prioritize new patients and patient care generally – and especially ensuring that the most complex patients receive the care they need. Some new patients with lower care needs may face a wait for personal support workers, nurses and other health professional to become available to provide care, as we concentrate on those most at risk. To ensure patients continue to receive the care they need, we are collaborating with partners on ways to improve recruitment and retention of health care workers, encouraging people to come back to the profession, and new graduates to join us in this meaningful work.
To protect patients and our staff, when possible we are offering virtual visits to our patients. In some areas, we are helping patients isolate with COVID-19 at home, providing remote patient monitoring tools in conjunction with other health partners. In addition, our Telehomecare program continues to provide remote monitoring equipment and coaching for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and heart failure to help them learn how to self-manage their symptoms. While we have staff calling in sick, thanks to remote work, many are able to isolate and, if their symptoms are mild, continue to work from home.
Not all staff are working in the virtual world — in person care also continues. Our care coordinators are in hospitals at patient bedsides. They are there to assess the needs of patients and connect them to services in the community so that they can be discharged knowing they have supports when they return home. Other team members are in patients’ homes preventing unnecessary visits to hospital through care and supports at home, guiding patients and families through those final stages of their palliative care journey, or helping to find placement for their loved ones in long-term care.
As so many across the health care system are doing, many of our staff are going above and beyond their normal work hours. Some are volunteering outside of their scheduled shifts to help local public health units with vaccination clinics. Others have put their hands up for deployment should their skills be needed by Telehealth, assessment centres, or congregate settings in outbreak.
I’m hopeful. I know our staff are resilient and continue to bring empathy to their work – they are up to this latest challenge. I also know our partners are equally dedicated. We will get through this together. And we will continue to help everyone be healthier at home through connected, accessible, patient-centred care.
Thank you for your patience with all of us across the health care system as we each navigate this next wave of COVID-19.
Sincerely, Cynthia Martineau
CEO, Home and Community Care Support Services
SOME KEY FIGURES:
Home and Community Care Support Services collectively served approximately 674,000 patients across the province in 2020.
Every year, 26,500 patients move to long-term care.
Every month, care coordinators have 400,000 active patients on their caseloads.
Every day, Home and Community Care Support Services delivers approximately:
New CEO to lead Home and Community Care Support Services
November 19, 2021 – After a comprehensive, competitive search process for a permanent CEO to lead Home and Community Care Support Services, Chair Joe Parker, on behalf of the Board of Directors, is pleased to welcome Cynthia Martineau.
“Cynthia Martineau is a recognized health care leader who brings over 35 years of experience, skills and leadership,” said Parker. “At Home and Community Care Support Services our aim is both simple and ambitious — to ensure equitable and exceptional care, regardless of where they live across our province. We look forward to having Cynthia at the helm as we continue to work with system partners to transform home care to become a world leader for patients and their families.”
“Cynthia brings a wealth of health care knowledge and leadership experience to the CEO role. Her background in nursing and experience in key leadership roles in system planning and home and community care position her well to assume the CEO position at this important time,” explained Parker.
Cynthia will join Home and Community Care Support Services effective December 6th, 2021.
“Across the province home and community care plays a critical role in ensuring Ontarians remain safe and healthy, closer to home,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “I look forward to working with Cynthia as we continue to modernize and advance home and community care in Ontario to ensure a better, connected health care system focused on the needs of patients.”
Home and Community Care Support Services plays a vital role in Ontario’s health care system, ensuring people receive exceptional care – wherever they call home. Its focused mandate is to deliver excellence in home care and service delivery, as well as long-term care placement, and help in accessing services in the community.
Meeting local needs with provincial expertise, Home and Community Care Support Services is led by one CEO and Board. Its 14 geographies work together across the province to keep people healthier at home through connected, accessible, and patient-centred care and help them return home from hospital. As an organization it is advancing health system modernization by developing a consistent, modern home and community care delivery model to support integration through Ontario Health Teams.
“The road ahead is paved with opportunity and possibility and I’m proud to have been selected by the Board for this important role. Home and Community Care Support Services is an integral part of our health care system and relied upon by patients, families and caregivers across the province,” said Ms. Martineau. “I look forward to working with our leadership and governance team to ensure our organization is well-positioned to support our health system partners, our staff and the people we serve.”
On July 1, 2021, Donna Cripps was named Interim CEO to lead and refocus the organization under its renewed mandate until a permanent CEO could be hired. The Board extends its special thanks to Donna for her leadership during this pivotal time in the province of Ontario.
Quick Facts:
In addition to members of the Board, two Patient Advisors were involved in the interviewing and selection process for the new, permanent CEO. Patient Advisor participation and voices ensure decision-making, at all levels within the organization, is centred on the needs of patients, families and caregivers.
Home and Community Care Support Services’ name has changed but its care hasn’t. Formerly known as Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs), it has a focused mandate to deliver home and community care, long-term care home placement, as well as help connecting with community services and primary care.
Each year, 8,600 staff serve or support more than 674,000 patients of all ages.
Every day, Home and Community Care Support Services provides: 22,000 nursing visits; 3,000 therapy visits; and 85,000 hours of personal support care.
Find your local Home and Community Care Support Services here. To refer yourself or someone you know for care, call 310-2222 (English) or 310-2272 (French), no area code is needed.
Read more about our Board of Directors, led by inaugural chair Joe Parker.
Backgrounder
On Home and Community Care Support Services’ origin: On April 1, 2021, Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) began operating under a new business name, Home and Community Care Support Services, to reflect a focused mandate to deliver home care, long-term care placement services, and referrals to community services. On this same day, previous responsibilities for local health system funding and management was transferred to Ontario Health. A new governance model—with a cross-appointed Board and CEO for the 14 agencies—was introduced on July 1, 2021 as part of the government’s plan to modernize home and community care as part of an integrated health care system providing coordinated care for patients.
Cynthia Martineau’s Bio:
Cynthia has more than 35 years of clinical and health system leadership experience. She joined the former South East LHIN (now Ontario Health) in 2007. During her tenure, she served as Vice President responsible for Home and Community Care, as well as other senior leadership roles.
Cynthia assumed the role of Interim Regional Lead Ontario Health East/CEO Champlain, South East, Central East LHINs in January 2021 at the height of COVID-19 Wave 2, and led the region’s response to the pandemic while supporting three Home and Community Care organizations through their transition on July 1, 2021.
Prior to working with Ontario Health, Cynthia served as a nursing officer in the Canadian Forces in various roles from clinical care to operational deployment oversight of all aeromedical evacuations. After 21 years of proud service, she retired as the Commanding Officer of 24 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre.
Cynthia holds a Master of Sciences in Health Science as well as the CHE designation since 2003 with the Canadian College of Health Service Executives.
Media Contact
Dave Richie
Director, Transition Communications and Engagement
We are pleased to welcome our new Board of Directors. This highly skilled and diverse group has a cohesive vision and is committed to strong governance. The board will support the continued stability and improvement of high-quality home and community care services for patients across the province. Welcome to Carol Annett, Anne Campbell, Eugene Cawthray, Mike Dibden, Stephan Plourde and Glenna Raymond.
Nous sommes heureux de présenter les membres de notre nouveau conseil d’administration. Ce groupe hautement qualifié et diversifié s’engagera à assurer une vision cohésive ainsi qu’une gouvernance solide. Le conseil appuiera la stabilité et l’amélioration continue des soins à domicile et en milieu communautaire pour les patients dans toute la province. Bienvenue à Carol Annett, Anne Campbell, Eugene Cawthray, Mike Dibden, Stephan Plourde et Glenna Raymond.
You will continue to have access to the care you need and the health care providers you have built relationships with. Home care continues as before and there are no changes to long-term care home placement.
March 17, 2021 – Additional Transfers to Ontario Health
On March 17, 2021, the Honourable Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, issued an order under the Connecting Care Act, 2019 transferring the health system planning and funding functions of the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) to Ontario Health, effective April 1, 2021:
Patient care functions, including the delivery of home care and long-term care home placement services, will remain in place under a new name to reflect a focused mandate – Home and Community Care Support Services.
Our name will change but services and contact information will remain the same, including home and community care and long-term care home placement.
This is part of Ontario’s plan to build a better, more connected health care system centered around the needs of patients through Ontario Health Teams.
Patients and families will continue to have access to the care they need and the health care providers with whom they have built relationships.
Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health are committed to ensuring Ontarians continue receiving high-quality health care services where and when they need them. For more information, visit ontariohealth.ca.
February 26, 2019
Ontario is improving the health care system to give patients better connected care, focused on their needs.
You will continue to have access to the care you need and the health care providers you have built relationships with. Home care continues as before and there are no changes to long-term care home placement.
Our patient services and contacts will remain unchanged until further notice.
For more information about how Ontario is improving the health care system, visit ontario.ca/connectedcare or contact Service Ontario Health INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (TTY 1-800-387-5559).
