News from Sault: New Ontario Health Team created to see area First Nations communities

The province is adding three new Ontario Health Teams, one of which is in northern Ontario.

Maamwesying Community Health Services applied to the Ontario government three years ago and were approved to join the coordinated system in an official announcement on Friday.

Now, as part of the Ontario Health Team, access to health care for Maamwesying’s more than 5,000 clients will be easier.

These patients, drawn from 11 First Nations in northern Ontario and the urban Aboriginal population of Sault Ste. Marie, will each have a patient history, patient record, and framework plan shared among health care providers.

Carol Eshkakogan, the center’s executive director, told CTV News she was delighted to hear of Maamwesying’s approval.

“We have the opportunity to see the transition of care and to have more means to ensure that the transition is seamless from the acute care center, ie hospitals, to the home,” said added Eshkakogan.

The organization currently has 120 employees.

Eshkakogan said with this new approval comes the opportunity for additional funding.

She hopes they can soon increase the number of staff, especially doctors and nurses, who visit First Nations communities in the area.

To stay up to date on the services offered by Maamwesying or to view upcoming events, you can visit their Facebook page.