Seniors with complex health conditions, including mental illness and addictions, will soon experience better system-wide coordination of their needs. The Ontario government is delivering on its commitment for faster access to health care, providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place, by creating Health Links across the province.
Health Links (HLs) are part of the government’s “Action Plan for Health Care.” So far, 19 early adopter communities have been chosen to launch the first wave of Health Links with the intent of establishing them across all of Ontario.
At the heart of each HL is the patient, their family care providers, the family physician and the local Community Care Access Centre. When a patient needs care that entails primary, secondary, or tertiary services, HL will facilitate the efforts of the family physician to rapidly and appropriately access the level of care required. HLs will also expedite the discharge, follow-up and referral services needed to transition a patient from hospital to home.
In order to establish a Health Link, strong representation from local primary care providers and the Community Care Access Centre is required. Joining or establishing a Health Link is voluntary.
For detailed information about Health Links, read the Backgrounder, available on the Ontario government website.