Chatham-Kent Secures $1.37 Million for Expanded Primary Care Access

The Ontario government has announced a significant investment of $1,375,900 to enhance primary care access for residents of Chatham-Kent who currently lack a family doctor or nurse practitioner. This funding will enable the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) to connect an estimated 3,000 residents to essential healthcare services through local family health teams and community health centres. The announcement was made on October 13, 2023, highlighting a critical need in a community where more than 25 percent of residents do not have a regular primary care provider.

The investment is part of a broader initiative by the Ontario government, which aims to create or expand up to 80 primary care teams across the province. This is the first phase of a larger commitment exceeding $1.8 billion to improve primary care services, with the goal of connecting an additional two million people to publicly funded healthcare within the next four years.

Impact on Community Health

According to Dr. Andrew Su, CKOHT Physician Co-Chair and a practicing family physician in Chatham-Kent, this funding represents a vital boost for the community. “This funding is a much-needed boost for our community,” he stated. “It means thousands of residents will now have access to a trusted primary care provider who knows them, understands their health history, and can guide them through their health journey.”

The enhanced primary care model will not only connect patients with family doctors and nurse practitioners but will also include a comprehensive care approach. Patients will benefit from regular checkups, preventive screenings, and chronic disease management, supported by a team of allied health professionals, including nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, and dietitians.

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing its significance for the community. “This is great news,” he said. “When you take 3,000 people that don’t have primary health care and they can have it now, it’s a great day.” He acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by residents in securing healthcare and highlighted the municipality’s commitment to attracting more healthcare professionals to the area.

Future Goals for Primary Care Access

By 2029, the Ontario government aims to ensure that every resident has access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner working within a team-based model. The CKOHT has committed to collaborating with local health organizations over the next five years to further expand primary care access. Their long-term goal is to ensure that every individual in Chatham-Kent has a healthcare provider close to home.

Residents without a family doctor or nurse practitioner can register for assistance through Health Care Connect by calling 1-888-579-6707 or emailing [email protected]. This initiative represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access in Chatham-Kent, fostering a healthier community for all its residents.