ECCO

Given the growing maturity of LHINs and the primary care sector, the time has come to fully advance health system integration and eliminate unnecessary duplication, by transitioning the functions of CCACs into existing structures within the health system over the next three years – a proposal outlined in Enhancing Community Care for Ontarians (ECCO) model. [...] In January 2012, Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care introduced an Action Plan for Health Care to achieve: “Better client care through better value from our health care dollars.”6 The plan identifies that the province’s population structure is changing, care requirements are becoming increasingly complex and without action, the strain placed on the health system and public purse could [...] The Need to Evolve CCACs The report of the Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services questioned the future existence of CCACs and specifically recommended integrating them within the LHINs. [...] Primary care RNs are the well situated with the educational preparation, clinical knowledge/experience, public trust, complete health system knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health, to support and co-ordinate the broad preventative and responsive care needs of Ontarians from ‘womb to tomb.’ From a human resource utilization perspective, it is imperative that [...] Quality and care continuity must be at the centre of this model to improve client outcomes, experiences and strengthen the capacity of care providers across the health system.