The Ontario government is expanding the province’s Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program to Six Nations Paramedics Service. This program, which is fully funded by the provincial government and already operational across 33 Ontario communities, is being expanded to 22 more, including Six Nations Paramedic Services. The program was first piloted across five communities in October 2020.
“Our government is fixing Ontario’s long-term care system and improving the care seniors receive is a key part of our plan,” said Will Bouma, MPP of Brantford-Brant. “The expansion of the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care program to Six Nations Paramedics Service will support local seniors by providing them high-quality care when and where they need in their own homes, while they wait for a bed in long-term care.”
“As a community, we see the connection between all of our services as a continuum of care for our people,” said Lori Davis Hill, Director, Six Nations Health Services. “This permanent funding realizes Six Nations Health Services long term goal of providing Six Nations own Community Paramedicine as part of our buffet of services, connecting the care to those who need it, at home. Nya:weh on behalf of Six Nations of the Grand River.”
The program works alongside primary care and home and community care to provide the following services to eligible seniors: access to health services 24-7, through in-home and remote methods, such as online supports, Non-emergency home visits and in-home testing procedures, ongoing monitoring of vital signs to prevent escalation of chronic medical conditions and assessments, referrals, diagnostic procedures, and point-of care testing.
“We at the Six Nations Paramedic Service are excited to deliver this new program to our community,” said Six Nations Paramedic Service Chief David Skye. “We have been working hard to get this new program up and running for the people of Six Nations of the Grand River territory”.
Early feedback from participating communities indicates reduction in rates of hospital admissions and an increased integration with primary care. The program is fully funded by the provincial government and is operated in partnership with municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards.