Southlake Health is launching a new initiative to connect patients with care earlier and reduce the need for hospital stays across northern York Region and southern Simcoe County. The program, known as the Population Health Management (PHM) Advance, seeks to identify gaps in medical services before patient conditions worsen.

How will the program work?

The PHM Advance will utilize health data, research, and community partnerships to identify residents who require additional support. By finding these gaps, the initiative intends to help patients access the right resources at the appropriate time. This approach is designed to make it easier for individuals to navigate the healthcare system while potentially avoiding emergency hospital visits.

To implement this, Southlake will coordinate a core team with local healthcare providers. This collaboration aims to:

  • Identify patients who could benefit from extra services
  • Enable clinical teams to intervene earlier
  • Coordinate care more effectively
  • Ease pressure on regional hospitals as populations grow

Building a sustainable system

Paul Woods, the president and CEO of Southlake Health, stated that meeting the needs of growing communities requires the organization to think differently about care delivery. He noted that the initiative will help find new ways to improve the health of the populations they serve while building a more sustainable health system for future generations.

Tyler Chalk, the hospital's executive vice-president and chief strategy officer, described the PHM Advance as an "exciting next step" for the organization. To guide the project, Southlake has established a global advisory board featuring healthcare leaders from Canada, the United States, Singapore, and the Netherlands.

Supporting regional growth

The initiative is part of a broader goal to build a more connected health-care system that helps people stay healthier for longer. As the regional population continues to grow, the hospital aims to ensure residents can access care when and where they need it most. This strategy focuses on transforming how care is delivered to meet modern demands.

FAQ

What regions does this initiative cover?

The program focuses on residents living in southern Simcoe County and northern York Region.

What is the main goal of the PHM Advance?

The primary goal is to help patients access support earlier to prevent serious health conditions and reduce hospital stays.