RENFREW – The Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (VTAC) has received a new chance to thrive thanks to ongoing funding from the Ontario government.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski made the announcement Friday morning at the Renfrew Paramedic Services Base.
With a commitment to long-term funding for VTAC, an innovative healthcare model that has been meeting the medical needs of residents without a family doctor for three years, the province is investing $3.2 million into this service for 2023-24.
“So now we can rest assured that this Renfrew County Virtual Triage Assessment Center will operate not just for 2023-24 but each and every year going forward into the future, improving the lives, the healthcare of people in Renfrew County, taking pressures off our hospitals and making sure that the healthcare that people want and deserve is there for them,” Yakabuski said.
Describing the program as exceptional, Yakabuski expressed his satisfaction with continued funding.
“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,” Yakabuski said in a press release.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski (centre) announced permanent funding for the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre during an event in Renfrew on March 24 at the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service base in Renfrew. Looking on during the announcement were, from left, Melanie Kruger, admin support RC VTAC; Stuart Theron, paramedic lead, RC VTAC; Lindsay Mc Leese VTAC admin coordinator; Roxanne Kamula, paramedic; Alyssa Chapman, medical receptionist VTAC and Sean Plunkett, paramedic. Anthony Dixon Anthony Dixon /jpg, PM
In a press release, the MPP described the program as exceptional, and he was pleased to see ongoing support.
“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,” Yakabuski said in the release.
VTAC began at the start of COVID-19 in March 2020 as a virtual/mobile COVID testing center. It quickly expanded to serve anyone with healthcare needs who didn’t have access to their family doctor. The service has become essential by providing care to around 30,000 patients without doctors in rural areas while also decreasing unnecessary visits to hospital emergency departments.
The VTAC model allows residents to call a toll-free number and schedule same-day virtual appointments with physicians. A family physician from VTAC contacts patients via phone or video for hybrid care. If needed, patients can be referred to a community paramedic-led assessment center or receive home visits from community paramedics who monitor their health remotely. Physicians at VTAC can prescribe medication and order diagnostic tests too. They also help connect patients with local health services.
Anthony Dixon Anthony Dixon /jpg, PM
The success of VTAC led municipal politicians throughout Renfrew County to advocate tirelessly for continued provincial support after March 31st when previous funding was set to expire. As days passed without confirmation on renewed funding concerns began to rise.
“I know that people are going to say, ‘Well, why didn’t you tell us sooner that you were doing [this]’?” Yakabuski said. “Well if all of your Christmas presents are open by December 5th there’s not much excitement on Christmas morning is there? And we have a way I mean in government-and we have it at all levels-that things have to be dealt with and disseminated at appropriate times. But until March 31st comes around you can rest assured that funding will begin in earnest on April 1st in a big way,” Yakabuski added.
The MPP stated while VTAC isn’t a long-term solution to address family doctor shortages it serves as an innovative resource while waiting for lasting solutions.
“We can’t create doctors overnight,” he noted. “Everybody understands we’re not alone; many areas across Canada are facing similar issues with family physicians but until we can effectively address this shortage we need something like this program that helps ease some pressure since emergency departments aren’t working efficiently when folks go there just because they lack access.”
A report from Renfrew County VTAC shows between 70% -80% of assessments involve patients who don’t have family doctors or alternative primary care providers-86% reported their health concerns were addressed during their first virtual visit while 93% expressed satisfaction with service provided by VTAC.
“We appreciate that Ontario recognizes how valuable our Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre is within our community-and we’re grateful they’ve decided on permanent funding so this program continues serving our residents’ healthcare needs,” remarked Peter Emon Warden of Renfrew County. “We also thank MPP Yakabuski whose hard work helped secure these funds.”
Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon described the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre as an important success for the community and for County of Renfrew Paramedic Services but primarily for orphaned patients and residents in need of a family physician. Anthony Dixon /jpg, PM
A statement released by Minister Jones highlighted how Ontario’s government aims to ensure everyone across Ontario accesses convenient care close-to-home no matter where they live.
<p“What started as an innovative idea back in 2020-the Virtual Triage & Assessment Centre-has shown its worth within our communities helping provide necessary assistance which will benefit local families well into future generations,” reads part of her statement.
Michael Nolan Chief of Paramedic Services said he feels immense pride watching efforts put forth by both physicians involved along with staff members partnering together turning VAATC into vital links connecting locals seeking primary care through community paramedics services offered here at home!
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski (centre) announced permanent funding for the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre during an event in Renfreww on March 24 at the County of Renfreww Paramedic Services base. Also present were Chief Michael Nolan (left) & Warden Peter Emon. Anthony Dixon Anthony Dixon /jpg , PM
The average monthly workload includes handling around five thousand calls resulting two thousand assessments leading one thousand avoided hospital emergencies due timely interactions via telehealth modalities enabled through state resources available those needing urgent attention!
This initiative represents collaboration among various stakeholders including Family Doctors alongside essential personnel from Our Community Health Teams Hospitals’ Outreach Programs offered locally countywide-all supported financially through Ministry Of Health under Government Funding directed towards Public Health units operating effectively today!
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