Huron County Council Passes Bylaw To Allow Huron County Paramedicine Program Agreement With South Huron Hospital

by Bob Montgomery

Huron County Council passed a bylaw on Wednesday approving a collaborative initiative between the Community Mental Health Association, the South Huron Hospital and Community Paramedicine.

The partnership focuses on addressing some of the social determinants of health such as housing, nutrition, mental health and access to health care services. Superintendent of Community Programs with Huron County Emergency Programs, Lori Vermeersch, says the initiative connects patients with resources that are crucial for maintaining good health and access to pertinent resources. The South Huron Hospital association provides the much needed space where all of the players can work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care for vulnerable patients in a timely manner.

The number of people they see on a given day can vary but Vermeersch says it's often ten to twelve people and many of them don't have family doctor so their only other option is the Emergency Department.

Vermeersch says the trial period for this program has gone very well and collaborating with all of the other services providers has helped them address some of the complex health needs in Huron County and that makes Huron County a better place to live. She believes it will continue to make improvements in the delivery of health care.