Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski (centre) introduced everlasting funding for the Renfrew County Digital Triage and Evaluation Centre throughout an occasion in Renfrew on March 24 on the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service base. Wanting on in the course of the announcement (from left) had been Melanie Kruger, admin assist RC VTAC; Stuart Theron, Paramedic Lead, RC VTAC; Lindsay McLeese VTAC admin coordinator; Roxanne Kamula, Paramedic; Alyssa Chapman, medical receptionist VTAC and Sean Plunkett, Paramedic.
RELEASE DATE:
March 24, 2023
RENFREW – An modern health-care supply mannequin began in Renfrew County will proceed to deal with medical wants of space residents with out a household doctor because of a dedication of everlasting funding from the Ontario Authorities.
On Friday, March 24 on the Renfrew Paramedic Base, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski introduced an funding of $3.2 million in 2023-24 from the provincial authorities for the Renfrew County Digital Triage and Evaluation Centre (RC VTAC) to make sure residents have entry to healthcare providers near dwelling.
“This is an exceptional program and I am pleased the funding has been continued,” MPP Yakabuski stated. “Renfrew County’s Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre has continually demonstrated its value and that it deserves permanent funding. This announcement is wonderful news for residents across Renfrew County.”
Initially began in response to the pandemic as a digital/cellular COVID testing and evaluation centre, RC VTAC shortly developed to serve not solely individuals with COVID-related points, however anybody with a healthcare want who didn’t have a household physician or entry to their physician.
To entry providers, individuals name a toll-free quantity and converse with a educated medical receptionist who can present recommendation and schedule a digital appointment with a doctor, when required. A RC VTAC household doctor contacts the affected person to offer hybrid digital care over the cellphone or by way of video. The doctor can prescribe treatment, order diagnostic testing and refer the affected person to a Neighborhood Paramedic led VTAC Evaluation Centre for a bodily examination and therapy. An in-home evaluation by Neighborhood Paramedics will also be organized for homebound sufferers.
As a hybrid service supplier VTAC additionally has the flexibility to navigate sufferers to native well being and social service suppliers.
Roughly 30,000 residents of Renfrew County, or 28 per cent of the inhabitants, don’t have any household doctor or various primary-care supplier. As much as 80 per cent of the RC VTAC household doctor assessments are to those residents.
Since March 2020, RC VTAC has supplied 79,337 household doctor digital assessments, 70,290 paramedic on-site assessments, and 5,583 paramedic dwelling visits. Every month, RC VTAC handles 5,000 calls, 3,000 assessments and helps divert 1,000 sufferers from hospital emergency departments. Suggestions reveals 86 per cent of customers report their well being care concern was addressed within the first digital encounter and 93 per cent report being blissful or very pleased with the RC VTAC service.
“We are appreciative that the Province has recognized the tremendous value of the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre in our community and seen fit to provide the permanent funding to allow this program to serve the residents of Renfrew County and continue to expand to meet their healthcare needs,” stated Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon. “We are also thankful to MPP Yakabuski for his tireless work on this file to ensure the funding was secured.”
With greater than 80,000 doctor and Neighborhood Paramedic assessments, RC VTAC is a confirmed mannequin of care that’s properly positioned to assist communities like Renfrew County all through Ontario.
“I am extremely proud of the effort of the VTAC physicians, staff and partner organizations for making VTAC a lifeline to connect residents to primary care and Community Paramedic Services,” stated Paramedic Chief Michael Nolan.
The success of the Renfrew County Digital Triage and Evaluation Centre has been attainable of robust partnerships. In attendance for the March 24 announcement of everlasting funding for RC VTAC (from left) had been Leah Levesque, president and CEO of Arnprior Regional Well being; Councillor Michael Donohue, chair of the County Well being Committee; County of Renfrew Paramedic Service Chief Michael Nolan; Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski, who make the funding announcement; Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon; Craig Kelley, Renfrew County Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk and Karen Simpson, govt director Arnprior and District Household Well being Staff.
RC VTAC is a collaboration between household medical doctors, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service, major care groups, Renfrew County Hospitals and the Renfrew County and District Well being Unit. Funding and assist for this important service are supplied by the Authorities of Ontario by means of the Ministry of Well being and Ontario Well being. Study extra at www.rcvtac.ca or name 1-844-727-6404, 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski (second from proper) introduced everlasting funding for the Renfrew County Digital Triage and Evaluation Centre throughout an occasion in Renfrew on March 24 on the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service base. Additionally available for the announcement (from left) had been Paramedic Service Chief Michael Nolan, Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon and Renfrew County Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Craig Kelley.
