January 23, 2015
MEDIA RELEASE
Mackenzie Health Newsroom
Richmond Hill/Vaughan, ON – Mackenzie Health is proud to have received approval from the provincial government to officially launch the Southwest York Region Health Link. As the lead organization for the Southwest York Region Health Link, Mackenzie Health has helped to foster the development of the Health Link and its collaboration with 20 community partners across the continuum of care to help make it easier for people who rely on the system the most, such as seniors and people with complex conditions, to access healthcare in our region.
The Southwest York Region Health Link will provide support to residents in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Thornhill and King City that are experiencing complex medical conditions and that may be receiving care from one or more of these partner organizations.
Bringing together the hospital, physicians, specialists, home care, long-term care and community services, the Southwest York Region Health Link will work with healthcare providers, patients and families to better coordinate care.
Health Links is a new model of care that makes it easier for people who rely on our system the most to access health care in Ontario. Health Links is on one simple concept: physicians, specialists, hospitals, home care, long-term care and community services working together with patients, families and caregivers to better coordinate care.
The goal of Health Links is to improve the patient experience and help healthcare providers stay connected each and every time a patient accesses healthcare. Working together with identified patients, providers develop personalized coordinated care plans with clear goals, ensuring the right services and actions are matched to the patients’ needs.
Over time, Health Links will make a difference by:
- Improving access to family health care for seniors and patients with complex conditions;
- Reducing avoidable emergency department visits;
- Reducing the need to go back to the hospital shortly after discharge;
- Reducing the time it takes to see a specialist once referred by the family doctor or nurse practitioner;
- Improving the patient’s care and experience.
Patients, families or caregivers who wish to know more about the program and how to become part of it are encouraged to contact Carla Rodriguez, Director of the Southwest York Region Health Link at 905-883-1212
, extension 7847, or email SWYRhealthlink@mackenziehealth.ca.
The Southwest York Region Health Link Project Office is located at 9401 Jane Street, Suite 101, Office #1019, Vaughan, ON, L6A 4H7.
QUOTES
“These new initiatives will make it easier for seniors and patients with complex conditions to get the care they need. Health providers in Southwest York Region are working together to improve patient outcomes for those who need care the most.”
Reza Moridi, MPP, Richmond Hill
“Today’s announcement is atestament to what can be achieved through strong collaboration. Through the Southwest York Region Health Link, Mackenzie Health and our partners will continue to relentlessly improve access to care for seniors and others with complex chronic conditions. We believe the Southwest York Region Health Link will make a difference not only to complex patients, but also to how we work together to deliver patient-centered, cost-effective care.”
Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health
“With the support of a committed team of healthcare providers in the hospital and in the community, patients identified in the Southwest York Region Health Link will experience more seamless and more responsive care which addresses their specific needs. This means reduced emergency department visits and re-admissions, reduced wait times to see a specialist and an improved patient and family experience.”
Carla Rodriguez, Director,South West York Region Health Link
“Health Links offers an advanced level of case management which will assist Family Practice in helping patients navigate the complex healthcare system. We have been seeing first hand that this model can work to improve both caregiver and patient satisfaction and patient outcomes.”
Dr. Janet Morse, Family Physician, Thornhill Village Family Health Organization
For more information, contact:
Melina Cormier
Chief, Communications and Public Affairs
Mackenzie Health
Tel: (905) 883-1212 ext. 7492
E-mail: melina.cormier@mackenziehealth.ca
Catalina Guran
Communications and Public Affairs Consultant
Tel: (905) 883-1212 ext. 7490
E-mail: catalina.guran@mackenziehealth.ca
Quick Facts at a Glance:
- Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional healthcare provider which includes the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, as well as a comprehensive network of community-based services.
- Nationally recognized for its commitment to safety and quality patient care, Mackenzie Health was also awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, the highest rating a Canadian healthcare provider can receive.
- Guided by a vision to create a world-class health experience, Mackenzie Health has an unrelenting focus on the patient and is dedicated to patient needs now and in the future.
- This focus is reflected in the organization’s strategic directions: Exceptional Patient and Family Experience, Excellent Quality and Efficiency, Community-driven Growth, and Great People, Systems and Partners.
- With over half a million residents in Southwest York Region, Mackenzie Health is proud to serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada.
- The new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital is expected to be completed and open to serve the public in 2019.