Southlake Awarded $52,500
from The Change Foundation's 2003 Grants
for Innovation in Health Care
(Newmarket Ontario - November 12, 2003)
In support of innovative change in health care, Phil Hassen, Deputy
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care on behalf of The Honourable
George Smitherman presented Ieva Fraser, Coordinator for Southlake's
Arthritis Program with a $52,500 grant at the annual Change Foundation
Grants Dinner on Tuesday, November 4, 2003. Southlake was one
of 10 organizations selected from 115 submissions to receive a
grant from The Change Foundation 2003 Grants competition. The
grants are awarded annually to organizations and partner groups
over two years for projects that have great potential to make
changes in health care. This is the first time that Southlake
Regional Health Centre has received a grant from the Change Foundation.
Southlake's grant will be used by the Arthritis
Program team to establish a pre-diagnosis clinic for individuals
who are exhibiting symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The clinic
will utilize rheumatology-trained occupational therapists to obtain
the patient's medical history, conduct a physical examination
and order pre-determined tests, such as x-rays and blood work
- services which have traditionally been offered by physicians
specializing in rheumatology. As damage can occur within six months
from the time of symptom onset, enabling skilled therapists to
perform these essential investigations allows rheumatologists
to reduce their many month waiting lists and dedicate their expertise
to diagnosing and initiating treatment plans for their patients.
Once diagnosed, patients can then be referred to Southlake's existing
Arthritis Program to receive education and treatment on how to
self manage their disease.
As rheumatoid arthritis and its related disorders
can cause irreparable damage to joints, muscles and other body
systems, research has shown that early diagnosis is crucial.
Ieva Fraser said, "We are confident that our
innovative approach to providing assessment sooner will result
in better outcomes for our patients. It will also prove to save
the health care system money by using qualified therapists to
their fullest potential, which allows the rheumatologists to focus
their time on diagnosis and treatment."
Southlake's Arthritis Team is currently supported
by three rheumatologists, occupational and physical therapists,
a dietitian, social worker, pharmacist, kiniseologist, rehabilitation
assistant clerical support persons and volunteers.
In addition to piloting the per-diagnosis assessment clinic, a
portion of the grant will be used to add a professional researcher
and medical writer to the team. Established in 1991, the program
is outpatient based and provides education, treatment, and customized
care to individuals who may be suffering from any one of the 135
different types of arthritis.
The Change Foundation Grants Program annually awards
grants to incorporated registered charities in Ontario. The Change
Foundation is a charitable organization incorporated in 1995 by
the Ontario Hospital Association and endowed with part of the
proceeds from the sale of Ontario Blue Cross. With a mandate to
promote, support, and improve health and health care delivery,
it reinvests in health care through four activity areas: applied
research and analysis, development programs, education, and grants
to charities. To learn more about the Change Foundation and their
grants program, visit them online at www.changefoundation.com.
Phil Hassen, Deputy Minister of Health and Long-Term Care presents
Ieva Fraser, Coordinator of Southlake's Arthritis Program
with a $52,500 grant at the 2003
Change Foundation Grants Dinner held November 4, 2003.
Joining Mr. Hassen are Shirlee Sharkey, Board Chair,
The Change Foundation and Gale Murray,
President & CEO, The Change Foundation.
