Today's issue brings you an update on the future of DHCs, and the ongoing LHIN planning process.

Over the past 30 years, District Health Councils have provided valuable input to the ministry, and have played an important role in the provision of health care services in communities across the province.

The ministry recognizes and values the effort that all DHC Board members, Executive Directors, employees and community volunteers put into their work. The ministry thanks them for their time, dedication and commitment to the health care system in Ontario.

As we move forward with the transformative changes in health care, the government had to consider how the changes could be implemented, while reducing the duplication of functions and layers of responsibilities across the system.

LHINs will be the principal organizations responsible for planning, coordinating, integrating and funding the delivery of health care services within their geographic areas.

Since the mandate of the LHINs includes the planning and related functions currently with the 16 District Health Councils, the government has decided to end the operations of DHCs by March 31, 2005 prior to the LHIN start up in April, 2005.

On January 12 and 13, 235 of the approximately 300 people who are guiding the development of the Integration Priority Reports in the 14 LHIN communities gathered in Toronto. The two-day session provided a forum for sharing ideas, experiences and learning to facilitate the preparation of the Reports.

On the first day of the session, George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long Term Care, spoke with passion and enthusiasm about the transforming role that LHINs will play in Ontario's health care system and thanked the group for their continuing work. "All of the hard work that is going on here, backed up by the hard work that was done in the regional sessions and the work that continues to go on is evidence of a unique system coming to life in the province of Ontario," said Minister Smitherman. The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to a health care system that allows Ontarians to access quality care as close to home as possible.

During the two-day meeting, the participants were engaged in the following areas :

1. Providing feedback to each other on the continuation of their work
2. Starting to look at how inter-LHIN integration could be accomplished
3. Beginning discussions on ideas for ongoing community engagement activities within the LHINs

As promised, there is a complete report on all the topics that were brought forward as integration priority opportunities during the 14 LHIN Community Workshops in November and December.

Once again, the ministry extends a sincere thank you to all who took the time to participate in the workshops and the Planning Forum and who are moving forward with this important work in their communities.

Please look for the LHIN Bulletin mid-month, every month. Also, LHIN-related updates and reports will be posted on this site at the beginning of every month, if necessary.

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