Reorganizing Ontario's health care system

September 2007- In March 2006 the Government of Ontario passed the Local Health System Integration Act, which set the groundwork for reorganizing the management of our health care system.

As of April 2007, the province has been divided into 14 Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs). LHINs are not-for-profit organizations that are responsible for planning, integrating and funding local health services in the 14 geographic areas. Within these areas, they manage health services that are delivered in hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres, community support services and mental health agencies.

Areas of health care delivery for which LHINs are not responsible include individual family physicians and Family Health Teams, Ambulance Services and Laboratories.

Of particular interest to Concerned Friends is the fact that the Long-Term Care Compliance Management Program, which oversees the inspections of long-term care homes, continues to be directly under the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, rather than the LHINs.

The Long Term Care Hot Line (1-866-434-0144) remains in effect for contacting a compliance advisor, registering a complaint, or for general information about Long-term Care Homes.

For more information about Local Health Integration Networks visit the Ministry website at www.health.gov.on.ca or the LHINs website at www.lhins.on.ca.

Board of Directors