Journal Staff
Sarnia-Lambton can proceed with an Ontario Health Team, the province said last week.
The decision paves for way for local officials to come together in a new way to provide health care.
Ontario Health Teams are replacing Local Health Integration Networks, or LHINs, which set funding allocations.
Since 2007, the Erie St. Clair LHIN in Windsor has determined what local services are available at the hospital and community agencies, and their level of financial support.
The new Health Team will represent more than 35 Sarnia-Lambton partners in the fields of primary care, home care, public health, long-term care, mental health and addictions services, and palliative and acute care.
Bluewater Health CEO Mike Lapaine, who chairs the Health Team steering committee, has said the new model will provide patients with faster, easier access to the services they need.