Local organizations are partnering to make x-rays more accessibly for residents of long-term care (LTC) homes in Barrie and area.
Local organizations are partnering to make x-rays more accessible for residents of long-term care (LTC) homes in Barrie and area.
Participating Barrie and area long-term care homes are working together with the Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team (BAOHT), County of Simcoe and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) to improve care coordination and transportation for residents for non-urgent x-rays at RVH’s Medical Imaging department.
Long-term care residents typically have more complex health care needs and often experience challenges accessing community-based and in-home imaging services and suitable transportation options. Currently, these residents can wait upwards of 15 days and, in some cases, four weeks to have non-urgent imaging completed.
Starting at the end of March, participating long-term care homes will identify residents that are eligible for the program and organize transportation to RVH through the County of Simcoe’s Paramedicine Program. Once at the health centre, a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) will stay with the resident for the duration of their visit to help coordinate care and ensure results are read before the resident is transported back home.
By providing transportation and increased care coordination, the partners hope the program will significantly lower wait-times, improve access to timely care and reduce avoidable trips to the Emergency department.
This initiative is supported by the Ontario government’s investment in specialized services and supports for long-term care residents with complex needs.
Quotes
“This is a game-changer for residents in LTC home. Being able to directly access imaging services without long delays and without having to go through the Emergency department will greatly enhance the quality and efficiency of health care for our most vulnerable residents. It’s an exciting initiative and shows what’s possible when we can connect and collaborate with our partners in health.”
Bill Krever, president and CEO, Victoria Village
“This partnership is critical to ensuring residents in our area LTC homes are getting the care they need in a timely manner. We are proud to work with our partners at the County of Simcoe and with area LTC homes to eliminate unnecessary visits to our Emergency department. By getting these vulnerable patients access to diagnostic imaging studies in a more streamlined manner, we’re able to provide a better patient experience for long-term care residents in our region.”
Nancy Savage, executive vice president, clinical, and regional vice president, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)
“County of Simcoe Paramedic Services is pleased to support this innovative initiative, which will bring efficiencies and increased coordination to our system and timely support to long-term care residents and their health care providers. We thank the Province for their investment in our region, and are pleased to continue to expand the role of our community paramedics.”
Sarah Mills, director and chief, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services