9-1-1 Models of Care Will Provide the Right Care in the Right Place and Protect Hospital Capacity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2021
BRANTFORD — The Ontario government is launching new 9 -1-1 models of care to now cover 33 municipalities across the province. These new models of care will ensure paramedics have more options to provide safe and appropriate treatment for patients, while helping to protect hospital capacity as the province continues to respond to the third wave of COVID-19.
Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant, provided details on Haldimand-Norfolk and Brantford-Brant model of care today.
Currently, paramedics are required to bring 9-1-1 patients to overcrowded hospital emergency departments, even when there are other appropriate care and treatment options available in the community. Under the innovative patient care model pilots, eligible palliative care patients and those experiencing mental health and addictions challenges can receive care by the paramedic directly. The patient will remain in ultimate control of the care they receive and can at any time request to be taken to the emergency department.
Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma explains the Regional approach: “Palliative care patients calling 9-1-1 will have the option to be treated on-scene/at home for pain and symptom management. Following treatment, paramedics will then coordinate with the patient and their family for the next steps or level of care.”
Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Ontario has witnessed how critical it is for patients to receive timely and effective care — when and where they need it. The Minister believes the new models of care will enable Ontario’s world-class paramedics to support our most vulnerable in the most appropriate setting, while also avoiding emergency department visits.
“I am confident our paramedic teams will help so many avoid hospital admissions by focusing on relief of symptoms right at home,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “Ontario’s paramedics are second to none and really are the best folks to provide this compassionate care to patients and their families right at home.”
LOCAL RESPONSE:
· “We are very excited for this new program, and the benefits it will create for all palliative patients and their ability to achieve in-home care. This initiative will also assist with ending hallway medicine by keeping these patients out of the ER and at home with their families. We thank the province for their commitment and support in improving Health Care in Ontario.” — Jason Gallagher, Manager Emergency Services/Fire Chief, Haldimand County.
· “It’s great to see that Brant/Brantford patients within our community will be part of this new program and receive timely and effective treatment when needed. As our Paramedics model of care and programs increase we are ready and adaptable to meet the needs of our community.”– Russell King, Chief/Director, Brant-Brantford Paramedics Services.
· “We are very excited to be a part of the medical team that can assist in patients palliative care at home, with a focus on relief of symptoms and avoidance of hospital admissions. Our Paramedics play a key role in advocating for the best care for our patients, and providing this compassionate care at end of life in the comfort of their home is paramount in supporting patients and their families to receive the treatment they prefer.” — Sarah Page, Chief Paramedics Services, Norfolk County.
QUICK FACTS:
§ To date, 9-1-1 models of care pilots have been approved for implementation in regions across Ontario covering 33 municipalities, with additional details to become available in the coming weeks.
§ Under the Alternate Destination model, specially trained paramedics assess the patient’s condition on-scene, per the Patient Assessment Standard of the Basic Life Support Patient Care Standards, followed by transport to a local hospice for palliative care patients, or to a local crisis centre for patients experiencing symptoms of mental health and addictions challenges. This model is currently available in select regions for both palliative care patients and patients experiencing symptoms of mental health and addictions challenges.
§ Under the Treat and Refer model, specially trained paramedics treat palliative care patients on-site in their home, which can include administering medication for pain or dyspnea, hallucinations or agitation, terminal congested breathing, and nausea or vomiting. Once the patient has been treated, paramedics would directly coordinate follow-up care with a local hospice or the patient’s primary palliative care team to provide longer-term treatment options. This model is currently only available for palliative care patients in select regions.
§ Patient eligibility criteria varies from model-to-model. Paramedics responding to 9-1-1 calls for select palliative care patients and mental health and addictions patients will conduct an assessment on-scene for eligibility to participate in new models of care. If patients are not registered, paramedics would ask the patients on-scene if they would like to be registered with their local centres in order to be eligible for the next time they dial 9-1-1.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- Patient Care Model Standards
- Ontario Improving Access to the Right Care in the Right Place
- Ontario Unveils Plan to Build Mental Health and Addictions System
- Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect the people of Ontario from COVID-19.
-30-
For more information, contact MPP Will Bouma at 519-759-036 or will.bouma@pc.ola.org