Celebrating National Caregiver Day

Unpaid Caregivers Honoured as going ‘Above and Beyond’

In celebration of National Caregiver Day, Home and Community Care Support Services has honoured more than 100 extraordinary people from across Ontario who make it possible for others to live in their home or community despite the impacts of age, illness or disability.

The 2nd annual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program brought together caregivers from across the province virtually on April 2, offering a platform for caregivers to feel seen, heard and appreciated.  

Every day, the invaluable contributions of caregivers make it possible for Home and Community Care Support Services to coordinate in-home and community-based care for thousands of patients across the province. The Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program was established to recognize, celebrate and support caregivers and the pivotal role they play in our broader heath care system. Whether providing meals, transportation or personal care to a family member, friend, neighbour or colleague, caregiver contributions are vital to ensuring more people can stay healthier at home.

As part of the virtual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event, nine caregivers were given special recognition under the following five categories. Learn more about their stories. See the full list of recipients (opens in a new tab).

CategoryCriteriaRecipients
Caring and Sharing
This caregiver is giving back to their community by helping and guiding others through sharing the knowledge and experience gained from their journey.Jennifer Irwin, Lucknow
Elizabeth Marie Chambers, St. Catharines
Caring With Courage

Through encouragement, empowerment and support, this caregiver has directly brought about positive change to their loved one's quality of life. Angela Smith*, Central Region
Melanie Denis, Leeds and the Thousand Islands
Partner in Care
This caregiving partner has provided long standing and continued support to an individual in their home or community.Emidio Galea, Etobicoke
Michael Bartlett, Port Dover
Caregiver Team
Group of people (care team) that come together to support an individual in their home or community. Robyn and the Serez Family, Kitchener
Young Caregiver
This category recognizes the extraordinary efforts of a friend or family member under the age of 30 years who has gone above and beyond to support the needs of a loved one.Alessia Porumbel, Toronto
Jessie Baker, Emo

* While Angela’s name was altered to maintain her privacy, we are honoured to share her story of extraordinary courage in caregiving.  

Between November 13, 2023 and January 14, 2024, the public was invited to submit caregivers for recognition with the only criteria being that they must be providing care to a patient, who has recently received or is currently receiving services through Home and Community Care Support Services, and that they are not a paid or registered volunteer caregiver.

Learnings shared during the event and throughout the submission period will be carried forward to develop the broader Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program, which will continue to support and engage with caregivers across Ontario throughout the year.

QUOTES:

“Caregivers are a vital part of the fabric of our communities. They help ease the burden of our health care workers, and provide support to our most vulnerable, giving them a sense of comfort and familiarity as they face life-altering challenges. Thank you to the tireless team at Home and Community Care Support Services for hosting this event, and for shining a light on the inspiring individual contributions of caregivers. To all the recipients: congratulations on this well-deserved honour. This recognition is a testament to your hard work and to the sacrifices you make every day to help those in need.” –Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario

“Congratulations to everyone recognized and celebrated today for going above and beyond and thank you for the impact you have on your communities. Your care and support of loved ones as they face difficult health challenges is truly remarkable. We see you. We hear you. And we appreciate you.” – Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

“At Home and Community Care Support Services, we view caregivers as valued health care partners and are honoured to celebrate them through our second annual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program. Every day, I find myself incredibly moved and inspired by the way caregivers selflessly sacrifice their time and energy to provide care to others in order to improve their quality of life. While we know they do this out of compassion and love, it’s important to formally acknowledge their dedication and kindness.” – Cynthia Martineau, Chief Executive Officer, Home and Community Care Support Services

“On behalf of the Board of Directors at Home and Community Care Support Services, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude and praise to the caregivers recognized through our second annual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program. The selfless efforts of caregivers not only positively impact the health and wellbeing of their loved ones, but also the health system as a whole. Highlighting them through the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program is a small gesture that allows us to recognize and thank this group of exceptional people.” – Joe Parker, Board Chair, Home and Community Care Support Services

CONTACT

For questions about the program, please contact the Community Engagement team at engagement@ontariohealthathome.ca or call 1-855-276-3096.

For all media-related enquiries, please contact media@ontariohealthathome.ca.

Winter holiday tips

With many doctors’ offices, health service providers and walk-in clinics operating at reduced hours over the holidays, hospital emergency departments can get crowded and seeking health care at this time of year can become a frustrating experience.

Here are some tips and community resources that may help you access the care you need a little more smoothly and help you find what you are looking for over the holidays.

Protect yourself and others:

  • Make sure you and your loved ones are protected. Get your annual flu shot and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer regularly, especially after opening gifts or before preparing, serving and eating food.
  •  If you are sick and experiencing any symptoms, stay home to prevent possible transmission. Events and gatherings have the potential to increase the risk of spreading viruses, especially for those who are at high-risk of severe disease and/or exposure to the flu or respiratory viruses. Follow public health guidance to protect yourself and others.

Plan ahead:

  • Talk about your health care needs with your care team this holiday season. Know who is available to support you and how to reach them over the holidays.
  • Schedule any needed medical appointments before the holidays. Some offices may be closed or have shorter hours, so make sure your appointments are booked in advance.

Don’t forget to shop for yourself:

  • Make sure you have a two-week supply of inhalers, oxygen, needles, glucose testing supplies or any other equipment you will need to manage your health and wellness during the holiday season.
  • Don’t forget to also check to see that you have enough prescription, non-prescription medication and supplies to last you and your family over the holiday season. Some pharmacies will have shorter hours, so, if you can, stock up on what you’ll need ahead of time.

Know where to go for help

  • If your doctor or nurse practitioners’ office is closed, find alternatives such as walk-in clinics and urgent care by using the HealthLine tool. Learn how to search your local Healthline in the video provided below.
  • Update your list of emergency contacts and post them in a visible place, like on the fridge. Remember to add Health811 (formerly Telehealth Ontario) at 1-866-797-0000 for free, confidential, 24-hour access to a registered nurse who will help you with health-related questions.
  • If you need urgent medical attention, for example, you have shortness of breath, severe chest pain or stroke symptoms, even if you are uncertain, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
  • Holidays can be mentally tough. Take time to find supports and put your mental health first.

Find services close to home by searching your local Healthline

Healthline is an innovative website that puts accurate and up-to-date information about health services at your fingertips. This website provides easy access to a reliable source of data and empowers you to find the services you need close to home. Thousands of service listings describe organizations and programs serving people in your area and across the province.

Learn how to navigate this easy-to-use online database in this demonstration video.

Access your local Healthline site

Second annual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program seeking submissions

Home and Community Care Support Services is pleased to share that our second annual Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program is now live and taking submissions.

The Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program is an exciting opportunity to recognize caregivers for their extraordinary efforts and contributions that make it possible for people to live in their home and/or community, while also sharing their experiences, stories and learnings.

“In our work, we come across many incredible caregivers who deserve to be recognized for their selfless dedication to people and loved ones in their lives,” said Cynthia Martineau, Chief Executive Officer. “We know that most caregivers don’t seek out recognition for the support they provide, but do this out of compassion and love. That is why we are proud to be able to honour these amazing caregivers through our Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition program.”

How to Recognize a Caregiver

Please consider completing a submission today to help recognize a caregiver(s) who have gone above and beyond. Recognizing a caregiver is quick and easy. Simply visit our Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition page on our website for more information, including our easy to fill out submission form, recognition criteria and categories. Submissions close January 14, 2024. Visit the page for the latest information.

Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event:

Planning for our next event is in its early stages, however, we are pleased to confirm that the event will be held on April 2, 2024, to coincide with National Caregiver Day. We look forward to sharing more details once they become available.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm as we look to celebrate and honour amazing caregivers across the province.

For questions about the program, please contact the Community Engagement team at engagement@ontariohealthathome.ca or call 1-855-276-3096.

For all media-related enquiries, please contact media@ontariohealthathome.ca.

North East Virtual Career Fair

Date: November 23, 2023

Various timeslots will be available to attend a short presentation to learn about our organization, available positions and hear from employees working with Home and Community Care Support Services North East about the advantages of a career with us. 

Register to attend by November 13, 2023

WE HIRE

  • Regulated Health Professionals: Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Dietitians, & Social Workers
  • Health Professionals: Rehabilitation Assistants, Communicative Disorders Assistants
  • Corporate Services & Administration Staff: Team Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Information Technology, Human Resources, Data & Financial Analyst, & Communication/ Community Engagement

WE OFFER 

  • Attractive compensation packages and benefits 
  • Development opportunities and a culture of support
  • Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
  • Team Environment
  • Hybrid Model of work

CPHR Canada Award for HR Champion

Home and Community Care Support Services’ Chief Executive Officer receives prestigious HR award

TORONTO – September 22, 2023 – On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, members of the Home and Community Care Support Services team attended the 2023 Canadian HR Awards as an Excellence Awardee in five categories. Home and Community Care Support Services is thrilled to announce that, amongst the HR industry’s leading professionals, Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Martineau received the prestigious CPHR Canada Award for HR Champion (CEO). This award recognizes the CEO who has driven successful HR strategies by putting people first and championing innovative HR values.

Martineau joined the newly established Home and Community Care Support Services organization in December 2021. Through her exceptional commitment to investing in its people, Martineau continues to contribute to fostering a thriving workplace culture that sees Home and Community Care Support Services’ 9,000-member workforce feel valued, empowered to make decisions, motivated to grow their careers and excited to come to work and care for the people of Ontario.

“I am deeply humbled to receive this award. This recognition is not just a personal achievement; it is a testament to the dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment of Home and Community Care Support Services’ employees,” says Martineau. “Together, we have created a workplace that stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision and purpose. Thank you to the entire home care team for allowing me the incredible opportunity to lead and inspire and thank our leadership and Board of Directors for their commitment to investing in our people.”

Cynthia oversees 14 Home and Community Care Support Services organizations as one cohesive provincial team, bringing to life the organization’s mission of “helping everyone to be healthier at home through connected, accessible, patient-centred care.” With a strong belief in the power of people, Cynthia’s transformative leadership has paved the way for organizational growth and employee well-being. Over the course of her tenure as CEO, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to HR excellence, leveraging the team’s strengths to transform, modernize and innovate with greater efficiency and effectiveness, deliver on priorities and realize the organization’s vision of providing exceptional care for Ontarians.

“Under the leadership of our CEO Cynthia Martineau, our organization has experienced a remarkable journey towards HR excellence, fostering a thriving workplace culture and driving outstanding results,” says Home and Community Care Support Services Board Chair Joe Parker. “Facing unique challenges in recruitment and retention in the health care sector, with her visionary approach Cynthia has successfully transformed our workforce, enhanced employee engagement and positioned Human Resources as a strategic partner in our journey towards exceptional care for Ontarians.”

Quick Links:

Ensuring Exceptional Care: Home and Community Care Support Services presents Our 2023-24 Annual Business Plan

Home and Community Care Support Services is pleased to present our Annual Business Plan (2023-24) (opens in a new tab) , which guides our work and supports us in achieving our mission of helping everyone to be healthier at home through connected, accessible, patient-centred care. 

The plan was framed by direction from the Ontario government, which set a clear and important mandate for Home and Community Care Support Services to play a pivotal leadership role in supporting the modernization of home and community care across Ontario.

Last fall, Home and Community Care Support Services reached out across the province to partners, staff and the people we serve to help determine where we should focus our collective energies and efforts for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. We engaged with more than 1,600 people, including health system partners, service provider organizations, Indigenous and Francophone health leaders, our staff and our provincial community of advisors who represent the patients, families and caregivers we serve.

Thank you to all who helped in the development of our business plan. Your voices were crucial to ensuring our proposed initiatives and objectives would improve patient outcomes and contribute to our collaborative work as a health care system.

Collectively, we heard your support for the following themes under our four main priorities:

Drive Excellence in Care Delivery:

Accelerate Innovation and Digital Delivery:

Advance Health System Modernization

Invest in our People

We encourage you to read our Annual Business Plan (opens in a new tab) in full, or view our Strategic Priorities at Glance (opens in a new tab) graphic, for a high-level summary of our priorities for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

We look forward to working collaboratively with partners, patients, families and caregivers to implement our plan and deliver on each of these strategic priorities, initiatives and performance metrics.

Together, we can continue to ensure exceptional care, wherever our patients call home.

For all media-related enquiries, please contact media@ontariohealthathome.ca.

Home and Community Care Support Services receives national recognition

We are ecstatic to announce that Home and Community Care Support Services has been named as an Excellence Awardee in five categories of the Canadian HR Awards (opens in a new tab)

At Home and Community Care Support Services, our people are our greatest asset and this is reflected in one of our four strategic priorities: Invest in Our People. Investing in our People ensures our teams are agile and responsive to meet the needs of patients in the community.

We are pleased that our efforts towards this priority have been recognized nationally by the Canadian HR Awards, in the following categories:

Most Effective Recruitment Strategy

The CPHR Canada Award for HR Champion (CEO)

Best Employer Branding

Canadian HR Leader of the Year (Chief Human Resources Officer)

Best HR Communications Strategy

Celebrating Over 100 Unpaid Caregivers from Across Ontario 

Honoured as Part of Inaugural Recognition Program

Over 100 caregivers from across Ontario were recognized today as part of the inaugural Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event, hosted by Home and Community Care Support Services.

The Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program celebrates unpaid caregivers whose selfless dedication and kindness makes it possible for people to live their lives in their communities despite the impacts of age, illness or disability. Nominations were open to the public between February 23 and April 24 for six different categories, with the only criteria being that caregivers must be providing care to a patient who has recently received or is currently receiving services through Home and Community Care Support Services and is not a paid or registered volunteer caregiver. The event was simulcast across the province with in-person events taking place in Toronto, Hamilton, Markham, Brampton and Chatham.

Attendees heard inspirational and powerful caregiver stories demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and the remarkable lengths people will go to when caring for a loved one. From the more than 100 nominees, 10 stories received special recognition under six categories. Each category describes a different caregiver journey.

CategoryCriteriaRecipients
Young CaregiverThis category recognizes the extraordinary efforts of a friend or family member under the age of 30 years who has gone above and beyond to support the needs of a loved one. Tannerr Jarrett
Chatham Kent

Amanda Ramkishun
Mississauga
Caring With CourageThrough encouragement, empowerment and support, this caregiver has directly brought about positive change to their loved one's quality of life. Melissa Brown
Elmira

William Fisher
Fort Frances
Caring and SharingThis caregiver is giving back to their community by helping and guiding others through sharing the knowledge and experience gained from their journey. Pooja Sinha
Toronto
Caregiver TeamGroup of people (care team) that come together to support an individual in their home or community. Michelle Bosomworth and Sons
Waterloo
Caregiver InnovationThis caregiver(s) uses innovative and creative strategies to support an individual in their home or community. Jen Catton
Toronto

John Wheeldon
Brampton

Partner in CareThis caregiving partner has provided long standing and continued support to an individual in their home or community. Lina Minichini
Hamilton

Hilary
Scarborough

The impactful caregiver stories and learnings shared during the event and throughout the nomination period will be carried forward to develop the broader Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program, which will continue to support and engage with caregivers across Ontario throughout the year.

QUOTES:

“Caregivers are a vital part of the fabric of our communities. They ease some of the burden off our health care workers, provide support to our most vulnerable, and give them a sense of comfort and familiarity as they face life-altering challenges. To all the award recipients, congratulations on this well-deserved honour. This recognition is a testament to your hard work and to the sacrifices you make every day to help someone in need.” – Premier Doug Ford

“Congratulations to everyone nominated as part of the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Event. Your extraordinary commitment to providing support and care to family members, friends, or members of your community is having a tremendous impact on many people’s lives. As we continue working to build a stronger and more connected health care system, our government is expanding access to home and community care, including additional caregiver supports, and we are listening and learning from caregivers, families, and patients’ experiences.” – Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones

“Home and Community Care Support Services is honoured to celebrate caregivers across the province through our inaugural Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program. Every day, our 14 Home and Community Care Support Services organizations coordinate in-home and community-based care for thousands of patients across the province, and we couldn’t do it without the incredible unpaid caregivers in our communities. We know caregivers do what they do out of compassion and love, and we are proud to celebrate them as important health care partners.” – Cynthia Martineau, Home and Community Care Support Services CEO

“On behalf of the Board of Directors at Home and Community Care Support Services, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude and praise to the nominees of our inaugural Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program. While we recognize that being an unpaid caregiver can feel like a thankless job, we want these dedicated caregivers to know that their contributions do not go unnoticed. Highlighting them through the Above and Beyond Caregiver Recognition Program is a small gesture that allows us to recognize and thank this group of exceptional people.” – Joe Parker, Home and Community Care Support Services Board Chair 


CONTACT:
Lizanor Barrera, Media Relations Manager
lizanorl.barrera@hccontario.ca

Winter Weather Advisory

With significant snowfall affecting many parts of the province, Home and Community Care Support Services is making every effort to maintain continuity of patient care, as well as consider the safety of home care workers.

Depending on weather conditions, delays, postponements or cancellation of home visits may occur in some areas. Patients will be notified by their service provider about changes to their scheduled care appointment. Those who wish to cancel or reschedule their visit should contact their service provider directly or contact our access line at 310-2222 (no area code needed).

During this weather event, patients with scheduled nursing care clinic appointments should call the clinic before leaving home. Also, should patients wish to cancel or reschedule their appointments please call the clinic.

Given the unpredictable weather, we encourage patients to consider affirming or activating their back-up plans for care in case they are needed.

We anticipate regular service will resume as quickly as possible once the storm has cleared and conditions are safe for travel.

We thank our patients and families in advance for their patience during this challenging time. And finally, a reminder, in case of a medical emergency, please call 911.

We’ve Reopened our Offices across the Province

Starting May 2, Home and Community Support Services has reopened our offices to the public.

To keep our patients, their families and caregivers, as well as our partners and staff safe, our administrative offices were closed to the public for most of the pandemic. We found innovative ways to provide virtual care to our patients during times of high risk, while also continuing to deliver vital face-to-face care to patients, residents, and clients in their homes, by their hospital bedsides, and in other clinical settings.

You can also call 310-2222 (no area code needed) or 1 800-811-5146 if you have questions, or if you feel that you or your family member need health-care support at home, at school or in the community. 

The following locations are now open if you want to stop by with questions or to say hello.

Locations

Home and Community Care Support Services Implements Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

Ensuring the health and safety of staff, clients and health care partners is a top priority

UPDATED MARCH 14, 2022

As of March 14, 2022, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced (opens in a new tab)  that Directive 6 is no longer in effect, however health care organizations who have not already done so continue to be strongly encouraged to integrate immunization policies into their existing policies and procedures. To protect our patients, their caregivers and families, our staff and health system partners, Home and Community Care Support Services’ mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy remains in place and all employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination has been a key component of our COVID-19 response and offers safe and effective protection against hospitalization and severe outcomes.

Home and Community Care Support Services staff and providers continue the appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment, including masks and face shields, complete daily health screening and follow practices and guidelines set by Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of Health.  

TORONTO, Sept 3, 2021 –Home and Community Care Support Services is implementing a mandatory vaccination policy that requires its staff across the province to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

On Tuesday, August 17, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued Directive #6 (opens in a new tab)  mandating that all hospitals and home and community care service providers implement a COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees, physicians, contractors, students/learners and volunteers effective September 7, 2021. Organizations have the ability to put in place additional policies or measures based on their context.

The Home and Community Care Support Services Vaccine Policy requires all employees to provide documentation proving they are fully vaccinated. Staff who have a valid medical exemption will be required to undergo regular COVID-19 testing up to three times weekly.

“Home and Community Care Support Services values the health and safety of our staff, patients, families and health system partners and is committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19,” says Interim CEO Donna Cripps. “While we respect each person’s choice to be vaccinated or not, safety must remain a priority. Getting vaccinated is important for our collective health, so we are asking that our employees make the commitment to be fully vaccinated.”

Home and Community Care Support Services is also working closely with all provincially contracted Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) to ensure their compliance with Directive #6. The SPOs provide care through nurses, personal support workers and other professional services to patients.

Additionally, Home and Community Care Support Services staff and providers continue to use Personal Protective Equipment, including masks and face shields, complete daily health screening and follow practices and guidelines set by Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of Health. 

QUICK FACTS

· On April 1, 2021, the 14 Local Health Integration Networks began operating under a new business name, Home and Community Care Support Services, to reflect a singular mandate to deliver home care and long-term care placement services and to provide referrals to community services.

· The Home and Community Care Support Services organizations are Crown agencies that serve over 674,000 patients per year.

· This renewed governance for home care is part of the government’s plan to modernize home and community care as part of an integrated health care system providing coordinated care for patients through Ontario Health Teams. Ontario Health Teams will work together to understand a patient’s full health care history, directly connect them to the different types of care they need and help patients 24/7 in navigating the health care system.

· There are no changes to how patients and caregivers access home and community care services.

· For information and referrals related to home and community care and long-term care home placement, patients can continue to call 310-2222 (English) or 310-2272 (French), no area code is required.

MEDIA CONTACT

Dave Richie
Director, Transition Communications and Engagement
Home and Community Care Support Services
Dave.Richie@hccontario.ca

About Home and Community Care Support Services

Home and Community Care Support Services (formerly known as Local Health Integration Networks) has a focused mandate to deliver local health care services such as home care, access to community services and long-term care home placement. These agencies previously had additional responsibilities for local health system funding and management, but these functions were transferred to and assumed by Ontario Health on April 1, 2021.

Home and Community Care Support Services is dedicated to ensuring the ongoing delivery of local services while Ontario makes changes to improve the health care system to give patients better connected care with health care providers working as one coordinated team in Ontario Health Teams.

Although these agencies are operating under new business names, services and contact information remain the same, including home and community care, long-term care home placement and help finding services and local doctors.

Home and Community Care Support Services Announces the Appointment of Three New Board Members

Chair of the Board, Joe Parker, welcomes three new board members to expand the expertise and skills on the Home and Community Care Support Services Board of Directors. 

TORONTO, March 9, 2022 – Home and Community Care Support Services is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors: John Beardwood, Kate Fyfe and Shanti Gidwani. Their combined expertise further enhances oversight of our organizations and the continued provision of high-quality home care services.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome John, Kate and Shanti to our remarkable team of industry leaders,” says Joe Parker, Chair of the Board of Directors for Home and Community Care Support Services. “The skillsets and collective experiences that these three highly accomplished individuals bring to our diverse team helps us provide strong governance and a stable foundation for the delivery of our mandate. Our board will continue to ensure the people of Ontario receive exceptional care – wherever they call home.”

“Our government is committed to building a better, connected health care system centred on the needs of patients,” says Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Across the province, home and community care plays a critical role in ensuring Ontarians remain safe and healthy in their homes, and our government continues to take thoughtful, gradual steps to modernize home and community care to allow for the seamless coordination of services across Ontario. I am pleased to welcome John, Kate and Shanti to this exciting journey.”

Home and Community Care Support Services organizations are responsible for home care delivery, long-term care home placement and facilitating access to community services. Operating under one CEO and one Board of Directors to ensure continuity of services across the province, the organizations have a focused mandate to improve the delivery of home care as part of the government’s plan to build an integrated, connected health care system centred on the needs of patients through Ontario Health Teams.

QUICK FACTS

  • Home and Community Care Support Services organizations have a focused mandate to deliver home care, long-term care home placement, as well as help connect people with community services and primary care. 
  • Each year, 8,600 staff serve or support more than 674,000 patients of all ages. 
  • Every day, Home and Community Care Support Services provides: 22,000 nursing visits; 3,000 therapy visits; and 85,000 hours of personal support care.
  • Find your local Home and Community Care Support Services here. To refer yourself or someone you know for care, call 310-2222 (English) or 310-2272 (French), no area code is needed.  
  • To read more about our Board of Directors, click here.  

BOARD MEMBER BIOS

John Beardwood

John Beardwood is a senior partner at Fasken and the Past Chair of the firm’s Technology practice group. He was the Co-Founder of both the Outsourcing practice group and the Privacy and Access to Information practice group. His practice is focused on technology, outsourcing and procurement, and privacy law matters.

John works closely with clients in advising on and negotiating various technology-related transactions, including outsourcing/procurement, licensing, development, implementation, distribution, technology transfer, strategic alliance and e-commerce-related transactions. John has worked with a variety of industries, including health care, financial/insurance institutions and the public sector. John often advises clients on privacy law and access to information matters, and has been developing and implementing privacy compliance programs for more than 20 years.

John holds an Honours BA in History and Political Science from McMaster University, an MA in Political Science from McMaster and completed his Law Degree at the University of Toronto.

Kate Fyfe

Kate Fyfe is the President & CEO of Timmins and District Hospital. With over 25 years of senior executive experience, Kate brings a wealth of experience in acute care, mental health and health system settings.

Throughout her career, Kate has worked collaboratively with system partners to improve accountability, performance, access to care and quality outcomes. While focusing on improving access to quality care, Kate has also led a variety of transformational projects related to care delivery and the implementation of broad structural changes to our health system.

An active member in her community, Kate has provided leadership and guidance on the COVID-19 Municipal Emergency Response Team, and currently sits on the Board of Timmins Academic Family Health Team. A true Northerner, Kate continues to focus her energy on building stronger, equitable and healthier local communities and improving population health outcomes across our health system.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa, is a Certified Professional Accountant / Chartered Accountant and has completed the Rotman Advanced Health Leadership Program.

Shanti Gidwani

Shanti Gidwani is a health care business leader with a diverse international clinical background and more than 25 years’ experience. She is passionate about breaking down the complexities of health care environments and supporting the necessary but complicated cultural shifts.

In 2021, Shanti joined Gartner Consulting as an Associate Partner where she is responsible for health care consulting opportunities and business development. Prior to Gartner, she was the National Director of Healthcare at Cisco Canada, responsible for the transformation of how health care is delivered across Canada and improving patient outcomes and experiences through technology.

Prior to Cisco, she was a health care consultant for the World Health Organization (European Region and International) before beginning her own health care consulting practice in Canada. Throughout her career, Shanti has worked with a variety of organizations, including First Nations communities, post-secondary institutions, regional health authorities and the provincial government of British Columbia in Canada. 

Shanti holds an honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and Zoology (French minor) from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thompson Rivers University and Master of Health Administration and Master of Science in Nursing degrees from the University of British Columbia. She also has Certified Health Executive status with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and previously held a nursing license with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals. 

MEDIA CONTACT

Adele Small,
Manager, Media Relations
Adele.Small@hccontario.ca

ABOUT HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE SUPPORT SERVICES

On Home and Community Care Support Services’ origin: On April 1, 2021, Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) began operating under a new business name, Home and Community Care Support Services, to reflect a focused mandate to deliver home care, long-term care placement services, and referrals to community services. On this same day, previous responsibilities for local health system funding and management was transferred to Ontario Health. A cross-appointed Board and CEO for the 14 agencies was introduced on July 1, 2021 as part of the government’s plan to modernize home and community care as part of an integrated health care system providing coordinated care for patients.