County Delegation Meets with Minister of Health

Pembroke: This week at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association Conference (ROMA), Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott learned about how valuable the Renfrew County Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) is to area residents.

Warden of the County of Renfrew Debbie Robinson, Chair of the County of Renfrew’s Health Committee Michael Donohue and Chief Paramedic Michael Nolan, met virtually with Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott and MPP Minister John Yakabuski to discuss the need for ongoing support and funding for the highly successful Renfrew County Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) model.

“We are very encouraged by our conversation with Minister Elliott,” said Warden Debbie Robinson. “The Minister is extremely interested in RC VTAC as a means of ensuring access to primary care, especially for those without a family doctor.

“I am confident that, moving forward, Minister Elliott will be open to further discussions with the County of Renfrew regarding sustainable funding for VTAC. She seemed very enthusiastic and agrees that the model works and makes perfect sense,” the Warden added. “While the Minister made no immediate commitment, she definitely wants to learn more and has directed Ministry staff to follow-up.”

In the coming days, the County of Renfrew will be developing a comprehensive information package for the Minister and MPP Minister John Yakabuski who has been an ardent supporter of the RC VTAC model.

“I know there are many of my constituents who do not have a family doctor and any proposal that helps us improve access to health care for Ontario’s residents, should be investigated thoroughly,” Minister Yakabuski said.

As the chair of the County of Renfrew’s Health Committee, Admaston Bromley Mayor Michael Donohue has been a strong advocate of RC VTAC.

“This year it’s projected nearly 30,000 people in Renfrew County will be without a family physician. The RC VTAC model has the capacity to provide these people sustainable access to care if it receives sustained provincial funding,” Mayor Donohue said, adding, “It’s model that could easily be replicated in other regions across the Province where access to family physicians and primary care is becoming increasingly challenged.”

“The model has demonstrated that it supports the Province’s modernization of healthcare approach by reducing pressures on emergency departments, hospital admissions, hallway medicine and 911 paramedic responses,” shared Mayor Donohue.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Center (RCVTAC) was developed to strengthen access to COVID testing for all residents, especially those living in rural and remote areas of the County. It quickly evolved to include access to healthcare for people with non-urgent health issues in order to protect the surge capacity of our emergency departments and 9-1-1 paramedic service. Individuals with or without a family physician can call the toll-free number for support from medical receptionists, physicians, and community paramedics via telephone or video. Based on the care needs, arrangements can also be made for a community paramedic in-home visit and follow-up care.

For Media Inquiries please call:
Paul Moreau Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, County of Renfrew 613 735-7288
Michael Barber Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288