NEWS RELEASE
THE CITY OF TIMMINS
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The Ministry of Long-Term Care announced that it is investing up to $5 million to launch the Community Paramedicine for Long-Term Care programs in five communities across the province, including the Cochrane District.
This fully provincially funded program will help eligible seniors on the long-term care waitlists stay safely in the comfort of their own homes and communities for longer and will be operated in partnership with the five municipalities. These communities will build upon the success of their existing community paramedicine programs.
As part of this program Cochrane District Emergency Medical Services will provide:
• Access to remote patient monitoring services 24-7;
• In-home care and remote monitoring methods;
• Online or virtual supports;
• Home visits and in-home testing procedures;
• Ongoing monitoring of changing or escalating conditions to prevent or reduce paramedic response and reduce Emergency Department visits; and
• Connect participants and their families to home care and community supports.
"The Cochrane District Emergency Medical Services has been a leader in the deployment of community paramedicine for the needs of our residents,” said Mayor Pirie. "This innovative community-focused approach will provide support for the families who have a loved one waiting for long-term care through ongoing 24/7, non-emergency support, which will include home visits and remote monitoring that is responsive to changes or escalation of health conditions."
"This innovative partnership between the Ministry of Long-Term Care and Cochrane District Emergency Medical Services will immediately enhance and protect the lives of our most vulnerable citizens,” said EMS Chief Jean Carriere. “Through our highly trained and dedicated team of paramedics, we will ensure our seniors get the care they need at the right time and in the right place."
The Cochrane District Emergency Medical Services has helped reduce the number of 911 calls and emergency room visits through a community paramedicine approach. Paramedics have been involved in remote patient monitoring, completing medical referrals and leading community clinics. Recently, they have been supporting the health system through completing home visits for COVID-19 testing at the direction of the COVID Assessment Centre.
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