Improvements to palliative care will be supported with funding from Ontario Health.
ORANGEVILLE, ON – Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team (HOHC OHT), in collaboration with Bethell Hospice and HOHC OHT’s Palliative Care Working Group, will improve access and quality of palliative care services available across Dufferin County and Town of Caledon with the implementation of a Clinical Coach role for the area.
The Clinical Coach role was created as a result of a successful funding application from the Ontario Palliative Care Network (OPCN). This one-time investment from Ontario Health will support the creation of a Palliative Care Team and implementation of HOHC OHT’s Integrated Palliative Care Model, a care model focused on earlier identification, improved access and connection to care for those with palliative care needs in Dufferin County and Town of Caledon.
“Our community has a total population of almost 143,000 people and is one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario. With more than 18% of our population over the age of 65, we have a great need to bolster our current palliative care services to keep up with our changing demographics,” said Margaret Paan, Executive Director, Bethell Hospice.
“The focus of the Clinical Coach will be to guide and support the implementation of a framework that will help us improve access and quality hospice palliative care across Dufferin and Caledon. We are so proud of the work being done locally and are thrilled to receive funding to help further this work. The success of our application for funding from Ontario Health is a testament that by working collaboratively, we can accomplish more than the sum of our parts,” added Paan.
Through their work, the new Clinical Coach role will:
- Lead implementation of HOHC OHT’s Integrated Palliative Care Model.
- Create a single intake for palliative care services, in collaboration with primary care and acute care providers.
- Provide support to community nurses and primary care providers focused on palliative care.
- Develop an inter-disciplinary team for further care coordination.
“The implementation of the Clinical Coach in our community will help improve access to palliative care services and increase the number of health care professionals who are able to provide those services. Our goal is to identify those who require palliative care services earlier in their care journey and provide them and their caregivers with quality care and support,” said Tracy Coffin, Executive Director, HOHC OHT.
“This work would not be possible without the financial support of the Ontario Palliative Care Network, and the tireless efforts of HOHC OHT’s Palliative Care Working Group. Their dedication and commitment to improving care in our community is truly inspiring,” added Coffin.
Over the next few months, Bethell Hospice will be working with HOHC OHT and OPCN in the recruitment process for the new Clinical Coach role.
For more information on the work being done by HOHC OHT visit hillsofheadwaterscollaborative.ca
Bethell Hospice provides compassionate, respectful 24-hour care in our hospice residence in Inglewood, ON to enhance the quality of life for individuals facing a life-limiting illness and their families. Hospice services are an essential component of our health care system, focusing on individualized care and comfort. Bethell Hospice also offers a range of community programs and services for individuals still residing in their own homes. Dignity and comfort are the cornerstones of care at Bethell Hospice. We welcome people of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions. All services and programs are provided at no cost. There are no fees to stay at Bethell Hospice, or to participate in any of our community programs, and no one is ever denied care due to their financial situation. Bethell Hospice is a proud partner in the Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team. For more information on Bethell Hospice, visit https://bethellhospice.org/.
