Letter from the CEO – Update on the Ontario Health agency

As the province continues to take steps to transform Ontario’s health care system, the formation of the Ontario Health agency progresses. Susan Fitzpatrick, interim CEO of Ontario Health, is setting up a number of working groups to establish the agency with a clear focus on the continuity of patient care throughout the transition process. CorHealth Ontario (CorHealth) has been engaged to participate in some of these working groups.

Firstly, I have been asked to chair a task force that will identify principles and approaches to transitioning the transfer payment agencies (including CorHealth) into the Ontario Health agency in the future.

Secondly, Cathy Cattaruzza, Vice-President of Clinical Programs at CorHealth, has been appointed to the Ad Hoc Clinical Leadership & Quality Programs Working Group where she is bringing her expertise and experience to help make recommendations regarding the vision, strategy and organizational structure for clinical leadership and quality programs within the Ontario Health agency.

In addition, we hope to support Ontario Health agency in the development of their Digital Strategy. When the agency is at the point of exploring their information and digital strategies, Steve Carroll, Sr. Director of Service Delivery & Chief Digital Officer at CorHealth, is ready to actively participate in the Digital Health Information Management Working Group.

There is no further information about the timing of when CorHealth Ontario will be transitioned into Ontario Health agency. However, we are in close contact with the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health agency; and, are participating in the process whenever possible.

We will provide an update on this item in the next issue of CorHealth Quarterly, or if new information becomes available sooner, we will issue a Bulletin. In the meantime, please call me if you have any questions at 416-512-7472 ext. 222.

Sheila Jarvis

CEO, CorHealth Ontario