The Emergency Room (ER)/Alternate-Level-of-Care (ALC) issue remains a critical challenge for Ontario hospitals. The OHA has been working with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and its other system partners to find and develop innovative solutions that address the ER/ALC issue. These efforts are aimed at alleviating the health system pressures related to ER/ALC, and thus improve wait times and enhance overall access to care.
This online resource provides Members with a province-wide analysis of ER/ALC rates and up-to-date information on current initiatives underway. This resource will provide the most recent data analysis and OHA events (a list of events respecting ER/ALC).
Data Analysis:
ALC Update: March 2013 Data
Ontario ALC and ER Wait Times by LHIN (April 2008 - December 2012)
Reports:
Alternate Level of Care (ALC) Capacity challenges and Long-Term Care Placement - A Roundtable Discussion: Key Messages and Suggested Actions (OHA and OACCAC paper)
This report summarizes the discussions that emerged from a Roundtable, held in May 2012, to uncover the key issues impacting the interpretation of the legislation governing long-term care (LTC) placement, and offer potential systemic solutions to improve the transitioning of ALC patients waiting for LTC placement. The OACCAC and the OHA hope that the key messages and actions outlined in this report can contribute to future policy and planning discussions regarding ALC capacity challenges.
Upcoming Events:
May 27 and 28, 2013 – ER-ALC: Enhancing Quality Care Across the Continuum
Join the OHA for this important annual educational forum where thought leaders from across the care continuum will come together to further their understanding of different ER/ALC initiatives and strategies underway throughout Ontario and abroad.
Topics and Featured Speakers
- The “Silver Book”: Quality Care for Older People with Urgent and Emergency Care Needs
Dr. Jay Banerjee, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, United Kingdom
- Who are the ALC Patients
Stacey Daub, Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre
- Senior Friendly Hospital Care
Dr. Michael Malone, Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Facilitating Flow within the Emergency Department
Dr. Howard Ovens, Mount Sinai Hospital
- A Prescription for Emergency Care in Nova Scotia
Dr. John Ross, Nova Scotia
- Provincial Initiatives and the Relationship to ER/ALC
Helen Angus, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Catherine Brown, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Dr. Samir Sinha, Mount Sinai and the University Health Network Hospitals
Archived Webcasts:
2012-13 Special Webcast Series - ALC - Managing the Transitions to Care
The OHA and the Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centres (OACCAC) developed a four-part webcast series addressing Alternate Level of Care (ALC) challenges and the different stages of the transition to care. To access these webcasts along with our other On Demand Broadcasts, please visit the following site: www.oha.com/ondemand.
Series #1: The Legislative Framework (June 28, 2012)
Series #2: How Legislation and Placement Are Related (September 28, 2012)
Series #3: Communication and Partnership in the Context of Legislation (November 16, 2012)
Series #4: Ethical Issues and Regulatory Myths (February 8, 2013)
2010 - Managing Transitions: Long-Term Care Homes Act Requirements (Dec 14, 2010)
This webcast includes an overview of requirements in the Long-Term Care Homes Act and its regulations related to the admissions process. Click here to access the archived webcast. Click here to download a copy of the slide deck.
For further information on the webcasts, please contact:
Candace Simas
Customer Care and Events Administrator, 416 205 1355
csimas@oha.com
For more information on ER-ALC issues, please contact:
Enza Ferro
Policy Advisor, 416 205 1319
eferro@oha.com