Integration
About Integration
Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) are to create integrated health systems as a means of improving the health of Ontarians. Integrated health systems provide coordinated, accessible and high quality health care that focuses on client needs, improves patient care and makes service delivery more efficient.
Integration is one of five core functions of the LHIN, along with planning, funding, performance accountability and community engagement.
The Local Health System Integration Act, 2006 (LHSIA), defines integration broadly to include a range of activities that enable outcomes that are central to the provincial goals:
- Improving accessibility of health services to allow people to move more easily through the health system;
- Improving the match between services provided and the multiple needs of clients; and
- Making the health care system more sustainable and accountable and promoting service innovation by enabling effective and efficient use of system resources and capacity.
LHSIA, which forms the legal framework for LHINs, further defines ‘integrate’ as the following activities:
- Co-ordination of services and interaction between different persons and entities;
- Establishing partnerships to provide services or in operating;
- The transfer, merging or amalgamation of services, operations, persons or entities;
- Starting or ceasing to provide services; and
- Ceasing to operate or dissolving or winding up the operations of a person or entity.
Integration within the South West LHIN is defined as the process of effectively managing the alignment of multiple systems of independent (and interdependent) organizations with unique goals and objectives to achieve the current Integrated Health Service Plan (IHSP) system level goals and priorities.
LHSIA identifies integration as a responsibility of the LHINs and HSPs and obligates both to identify opportunities for integration in their local health systems.
Learn More
South West LHIN Integration Success Story Video
Below, Kathy Scanlon shares the story of OneCare -- an amalgamation of three community sector service providers in Huron and Perth Counties. Kathy talks about the importance of working smarter, sharing resources and the key role played by volunteers in the community sector. Click here to see other videos on our YouTube channel.
Tier 2 Mental Health Integration
Looking for more information on Mental Health divestment in the South West LHIN? Click here