As we head into the fall, I've taken some time to reflect on what we’ve collectively accomplished under the banner of the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Ontario Health Team (LLG OHT). It’s been a year since I joined the team, and I have been privileged to work alongside so many great partners who have taught me so much. We have done, and continue to do, so much great work, and I am excited to share some highlights.

At a provincial level, Ontario Health is establishing stronger connections and integrated communications with all Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) around provincial and regional initiatives. This will be extremely beneficial for us as we look to learn from other OHTs and allow for greater alignment of our work and resources. Our Collaboration Council leadership table continues to refine our governance structure to ensure the LLG OHT positioned to deliver on our priorities.

Regionally, through the leadership of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, the LLG OHT continues to collaborate on local activities to support COVID-19 vaccinations, and other public health initiatives as we head into flu season.

The summer and early fall have been a time of growth for us. To ensure we build care connections, our advisory group of patients, clients and family members (Lived Experience Advisory Network) is growing and looking to expand its membership (more details on that below as well).

Championed by our Lived Experience Advisory Network, a Caregiver ID program started its pilot phase at three sites across the region: Alzheimer Society of Lanark Leeds Grenville, Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital and PEP - Seniors Therapeutic Centre. The Caregiver ID is a program that recognizes caregivers as essential partners in care. This program, which was created by the Ontario Caregiver Organization and adapted for initial rollout across Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, identifies, prioritizes, and equips caregivers with the tools they need to provide high quality care for their loved ones. We look forward to using what we learn at these sites to grow the initiative across the full LLG OHT. For more information on the Caregiver ID work, connect with Suzanne Rintoul.

Ensuring your privacy as we build a better-connected system is always top of mind. Our digital health team is progressing well to delivery on a privacy program for partners, as well as engaging our primary care providers on digital health capacity to design a plan that meets everyone’s needs. I encourage partners at varying levels to join the discussions in our priority focus areas to share ideas and inform new projects.

Helping you navigate the health care system is a big theme for the months ahead as Ontario Health puts things together to advance the provincial approach to consistent navigation for all. Participation and alignment with all our LLG OHT partners will be key to ensuring our local efforts meet the needs of our populations.

And finally, our new ‘Partner Connect’ communication is up and running. It is designed to strengthen relationships and share updates among partners. If you have items to submit, connect with Cheryl Tataryn.

Thanks for reading, and until next time,

Sheyi Badmos, Executive Lead, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Ontario Health Team