The team is composed of individuals representing nine health care sectors and will participate in gathering information and developing a draft of the region’s first Integrated Health Services Plan (IHSP). The IHSP, due in September, will outline the region’s needs and priorities while articulating an integration strategy.

“I’m just thrilled to pieces,” says Linda, who was one of two potential candidates. Linda, representing OLTCA, was chosen over another candidate.

However, PWT members represent their sectors as opposed to their parent organizations. According to the LHIN, PWT members “will work together in a partnership of equals” and in the “best interest of the South East communities.”

“We’ll define what the issues are, and how we can respond to them,” says Pierce.

PWT members are expected to commit one full day a week until September to the IHSP planning process.

Pierce will join a team composed of members representing Community Support Associations, French Language Community, Addictions Centres, Community Health Centres, Mental Health Services, CCACs, Hospitals, and Academia.

“I don’t even pretend to be an expert at it,” she says, “but with 18 years as an administrator and my networking experience I should be able to provide help in whatever is necessary. It will certainly be a learning experience.”

Recent relationships that have grown out of quarterly long term care/Ministry compliance advisor meetings will be of significant help, she adds.

One item Pierce expects will be a focus for LTC in the South East LHIN community sessions is the current bed-crisis in Kingston.

Kingston General Hospital has struggled, she says, to place people in LTC due to a lack of available beds. A recent announcement by Health Minister George Smitherman that the government will build a new home in Kingston was therefore well-received, adds Pierce.

“It will help respond to the current crisis status,” she says.