It takes a region to keep Niagara healthy

December 2, 2024/in News, Updates

The following opinion article co-written by NOHT-ÉSON Executive Director Sabrina Piluso and Niagara Health President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Guerriero appeared in the December 2 print and online editions of the Niagara Falls Review, St. Catharines Standard, and Welland Tribune:

It takes a region to keep Niagara healthy

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an entire region working together to keep Niagara residents healthy and supported at every stage of life. From family doctors and pharmacists to home care providers, hospitals, social services and long-term care facilities, every part of the system has a role in ensuring healthcare works effectively.

Niagara’s healthcare challenges are significant. Our population is not only aging but also growing and becoming more diverse, which brings new complexities to the care we provide. Rates of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, are higher than the provincial average. At the same time, we face a shortage of family doctors, specialists and home care services. These pressures are compounded by healthcare workforce challenges, with many professionals experiencing burnout, leaving healthcare altogether, or unable to participate to their full capacity due to increasing family and social demands.

No single organization can tackle these challenges alone. The most meaningful progress happens when every part of the system works together to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Imagine an older adult in Niagara living with diabetes. They begin noticing small changes in their health but face barriers accessing a family doctor. Instead of heading straight to the Emergency Department (ED), they turn to other options. Perhaps they speak with their pharmacist, who provides expert advice, helps them understand their medications, and points them to one of the many Diabetes Education Programs in Niagara. Or they connect with an Ontario Health @Home care coordinator, receiving support where they’re most comfortable — at home. These are just two examples of how our healthcare system can collaborate to guide people to the right care at the right time.

Niagara Health is working hard to make collaboration a reality. Programs like SCOPE Niagara connect family doctors with hospital specialists in real-time, helping to manage complex cases and prevent unnecessary hospital visits. The Geriatric Assessment Program conducts a comprehensive physical and cognitive assessment that helps older adults maintain their health and independence, reducing avoidable hospitalizations. Social workers in EDs connect patients with community services before hospital admission becomes the default, while ED techs — trained paramedics — help limit ambulance off-load delays, ensuring timely care and freeing up emergency responders.

We know hospitals can’t do it all. Consider alternate level of care (ALC) patients — individuals who no longer require hospital care but remain admitted due to a shortage of community supports. This creates a ripple effect: EDs back up, ambulance off-load delays increase, and patients needing acute care wait longer. Solving this requires collaboration across the entire system, from home care to long-term care and community services.

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
https://noht-eson.ca/wp-content/uploads/NOHT-ESON-Chevron-Thumbnail.jpg 300 300 Ron Laroche https://noht-eson.ca/wp-content/uploads/NOHT_ESON_Logo_FINAL_spot-6.png Ron Laroche2024-12-02 11:00:102024-12-04 11:26:03It takes a region to keep Niagara healthy

Search

Search Search

Recent Updates

  • Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21, 2025June 20, 2025 - 1:43 pm
  • Celebrating Our Champions of Change: Honouring the NOHT-ÉSON’s Patient/Client & Family/Caregiver Advisors during National Volunteer WeekApril 25, 2025 - 3:12 pm
  • NOHT-ÉSON Welcomes Tara Galitz as New Executive DirectorApril 3, 2025 - 10:22 am
  • Empowering Niagara Patients and Caregivers in Navigating Life-Changing DiagnosesFebruary 28, 2025 - 11:16 am
  • A person scrolling the Connected Care newsletter on their tablet.
    Connected Care Newsletter – Winter 2025January 26, 2025 - 12:07 pm

Categories

  • News
  • Our Stories
  • Uncategorized
  • Updates

Land Acknowledgment

We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabeg. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties, is within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement and is directly adjacent to the Haldimand Treaty territory.

Today, this land continues to be the home of many Indigenous Peoples. Acknowledging ensures we reflect on our past and what changes can be made going forward to further the reconciliation process, and it reminds us that the great standard of living that we enjoy in Niagara is directly related to the resources and friendships of the Indigenous Peoples who make up this community.

Wampum Belt

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive NOHT-ÉSON updates, learn about upcoming events and recent news.

Niagara Ontario Health Team

Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara

  • Contact Us
Join Us Online
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to X
  • Link to LinkedIn

About NOHT-ÉSON

  • About Niagara’s Ontario Health Team
  • Vision, Mission And Values
  • Our Priorities
  • Our Partners
  • Our Stories
  • The Planning Table

Resources

  • Resource Navigator
  • FAQ
  • News & Updates

Updates

  • Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21, 2025June 20, 2025 - 1:43 pm
  • Celebrating Our Champions of Change: Honouring the NOHT-ÉSON’s Patient/Client & Family/Caregiver Advisors during National Volunteer WeekApril 25, 2025 - 3:12 pm
  • NOHT-ÉSON Welcomes Tara Galitz as New Executive DirectorApril 3, 2025 - 10:22 am
  • Empowering Niagara Patients and Caregivers in Navigating Life-Changing DiagnosesFebruary 28, 2025 - 11:16 am
  • A person scrolling the Connected Care newsletter on their tablet.
    Connected Care Newsletter – Winter 2025January 26, 2025 - 12:07 pm

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive NOHT-ÉSON updates, learn about upcoming events and recent news.

Sign Up

Follow us on Facebook

Connect with us on X

NiagaraOHT Follow

Exceptional, connected care, now and for future generations. For emergencies call 9-1-1. #HealthyTogether

NiagaraOHT
niagaraoht NiagaraOHT @niagaraoht ·
20 Jun

As we mark National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the NOHT-ÉSON reflects, honours, and recommits to centring Indigenous voices and advancing culturally safe care.

Read our full statement - https://ow.ly/fA8g50We8xE
#NIPD2025 #IndigenousHealth #Niagara

Reply on Twitter 1936126477335937406 Retweet on Twitter 1936126477335937406 Like on Twitter 1936126477335937406 Twitter 1936126477335937406
niagaraoht NiagaraOHT @niagaraoht ·
19 Jun

Did you know? In 3 years, the SCOPE Niagara has grown from 30 to over 227 physicians and nurse practitioners across Niagara, helping patients get the care they need, faster. 💡💙

#SCOPENiagara #TimelyCare #NiagaraHealth #PrimaryCare #TeamBasedCare #HealthInnovation #NOHTESON

NiagaraHealth @niagarahealth

🎉 Celebrating 3 Years of SCOPE Niagara!

SCOPE Niagara has helped primary care providers in the community connect with a team of nurse navigators & specialists at #NiagaraHealth, providing real-time support for complex & urgent patient cases: https://ow.ly/zqwr50WaYxk
@NiagaraOHT

Reply on Twitter 1935763935124189682 Retweet on Twitter 1935763935124189682 1 Like on Twitter 1935763935124189682 5 Twitter 1935763935124189682
niagaraoht NiagaraOHT @niagaraoht ·
17 Jun

It was a pleasure to attend the @DiabetesCircle's Strawberry Social and learn about the heart berry's significance. A special moment was the recognition of Kitten Moses for her leadership in shaping the Indigenous Health pillar of the NOHT-ÉSON’s strat plan. Miigwetch, Kitten!

Reply on Twitter 1935076202735354048 Retweet on Twitter 1935076202735354048 Like on Twitter 1935076202735354048 1 Twitter 1935076202735354048
niagaraoht NiagaraOHT @niagaraoht ·
10 Jun

Meet Jim Prescott! Jim is a dedicated member of the NOHT-ÉSON’s Patient/Client & Family/Caregiver Advisory Council — and he's also a proud ConnectMyHealth user.

Jim uses the FREE platform to access his hospital records anytime, anywhere in SW Ontario — including in Niagara!

ConnectMyHealth @CMHempowers

Meet Jim! He's a big fan of ConnectMyHealth, a free, secure way to view various types of health records from participating hospitals in SW Ont. 😀👍

Reply on Twitter 1932518193223844208 Retweet on Twitter 1932518193223844208 Like on Twitter 1932518193223844208 1 Twitter 1932518193223844208
niagaraoht NiagaraOHT @niagaraoht ·
9 Jun

Changes are coming to the Fort Erie and Port Colborne Urgent Care Centres' schedules this summer as Niagara Health responds to physician shortages.

Reply on Twitter 1932133635798520243 Retweet on Twitter 1932133635798520243 Like on Twitter 1932133635798520243 Twitter 1932133635798520243
Load More
© Copyright - Niagara Ontario Health Team - Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara
  • Link to X
  • Link to Facebook
  • Login
  • Account
  • Privacy Policy and Website Disclaimer
Link to: NOHT-ÉSON Unveils Strategic Plan to Enhance Care for Niagara Residents Link to: NOHT-ÉSON Unveils Strategic Plan to Enhance Care for Niagara Residents NOHT-ÉSON Unveils Strategic Plan to Enhance Care for Niagara Residents Link to: Request for Proposals: NOHT-ÉSON Engagement – Focus Groups, Analysis, and Reporting Link to: Request for Proposals: NOHT-ÉSON Engagement – Focus Groups, Analysis, and Reporting Request for Proposals: NOHT-ÉSON Engagement – Focus Groups, Analysis, and... Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top
Explore Our Vision for the Future!

Cover of the NOHT-ESON 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.Discover how we’re building a stronger, more connected health and social care community in Niagara! Click here to view the NOHT-ÉSON’s new 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and learn about how we’re working with partners and the community to deliver meaningful change.