More personalized and accessible healthcare is coming to Muskoka.
The District of Muskoka is expanding its Community Paramedicine program run through the Muskoka Paramedic Service. Starting in 2019, specially trained paramedics will be able to visit patients at home to offer primary healthcare services like bloodwork and treatments as well as conducting wellness checks.
Paramedic Chief Jeff McWilliam says the hope is to cut down on non-emergency 9-1-1 calls as well as provide these services to residents that may have difficulty getting to the hospital.
“Similar programs in the province have demonstrated reductions in calls and fewer Emergency Room visits,” says McWilliam. “We are excited to expand the program to provide additional support to meet the need of the community, while also improving the overall quality of life for many of the patients involved.”
Ahead of the home-based visits, the district is rolling out a series of Wellness Clinics throughout November. These clinics will offer education from the Community Paramedics on things like disease prevention and other health resources available in the community. They’ll be held at the MacTier Memorial Arena on November 1st at 10:30am, the Gravenhurst Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation office on November 13th at 1:45pm and the Milford Bay Community Centre in Muskoka Lakes, on November 21st at 10:30am.
You can find more details about the Muskoka Community Paramedicine Program here.