Bringing Care Closer to Home for James and Hudson Bay Seniors

On October 20-22 2016, Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) in collaboration with the Northeast Specialized Geriatric Centre (NESGC) was honored to have the opportunity to present “Delivering Care on the Coast: The Development and Delivery of Specialized Geriatric Clinics on the James and Hudson Bay Coast in Northeastern Ontario” at the 45th Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology (ASECAG) in Montreal.

The partnership between WAHA and the NESGC was the first of its kind in Northeastern Ontario, and received funding from the North East Local Health Integration Network (NE LHIN) to support implementation.

WAHA and NESGC established a creative, cultural and multidisciplinary approach to providing service to the aging population of those residing within the James and Hudson Bay Region. The objective of the clinics was to assess and treat older adults with complex medical conditions. Since 2013, the team worked together to conduct geriatric clinics in the communities of Fort Albany, Moose Factory/Moosonee and Peawanuck. The geriatric specialty team was comprised of Geriatricians, Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Dietitians, Foot Care Specialists, Regional Discharge Planner, Patient Navigator, Traditional Healing and Mental Health supports, community based Personal Support Workers and Translators. Following the conclusion of each clinic, WAHA and NESGC ensure that the care plans developed will be monitored and followed up on by the team and that linkages will occur with the local health care service providers.

The presentation provided an opportunity for Crystal Culp, WAHA’s Director of Professional Practice and Crystal McComb, NESGC’s Geriatric Nurse Clinician to highlight the evolution of the clinics, identify emerging client needs and challenges encountered, and discuss overall clinic outcomes. The presenters also acknowledged the leadership and efforts of Julie Harris, WAHA Regional Discharge Planner, who was instrumental in the success of the clinics.

In 2017, WAHA and the NESGC are proud to announce their partnership will continue, and expand to Attawapiskat, including a follow-up clinic in Moosonee.