MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Hello, and welcome to the first electronic edition of the OCSA Bulletin! Longtime OCSA Members may remember the version we printed (on paper!) and mailed (via the post office!), and we're pleased to bring it back in this new form.
This newsletter will be useful to staff at OCSA member organizations, and other stakeholders interested in Ontario's home and community support sector. With change in the air, there are sure to be plenty of updates to share.
- Deborah Simon, CEO
|
|
Ministry Releases Discussion Paper on Future of Health Care System
On December 17, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care released Patients First: A Proposal to Strengthen Patient-Centred Health Care in Ontario, which recommends significant health system transformation.
OCSA is pleased to participate in this exciting and long-overdue discussion, and stresses that the goals of the proposal are only achievable with the full participation of home and community support providers.
Based on input from membership we have submitted our response and recommendations to the Ministry. (Members will have received a copy, and can also access it via our Members Only website). We also hosted an in-person consultation, with representatives from the Ministry.
Feedback on the proposal must be submitted by end-of-day February 29.
|
|
What Does the 2016 Budget Mean for Home and Community Care?
The 2016 Ontario Budget recognizes the value of home and community care, with investments of:
- 250 million per year to home and community care, over the next two years;
- A minimum wage of $16.50/hr for publically-funded personal support workers in place this year;
- A $75 million investment in community hospice and palliative care over the next three years.
However, as the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care embarks upon significant health system transformation, more investment will be needed to continue to provide quality care to all Ontarians.
Click below to read OCSA's response to the budget.
|
|
UPCOMING TRAINING FROM CAPACITY BUILDERS
Thinking about year-end training? It’s not too late! The hot training topics we’re booking right now are Making Communication Work: Essential Skills for Front-Line Staff, Managing Conflict with Angry Clients and Falls Management.
Are you interested in learning more about integration from a legal perspective, or getting a better understanding of procurement and contracts? Check out the free webinars lawyer Karima Kanani has facilitated for Capacity Builders, listed on our homepage.
|
|
We realize the potential of your organization.
Since 2001, Capacity Builders has been providing affordable training and management support to a wide-range of not-for-profit community health organizations across Ontario. We support Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders and Direct Care staff so they are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to provide quality service. Capacity Builders is a division of the Ontario Community Support Association. Click here to subscribe to our training newsletter.
|
|
|
MEMBER LISTINGS
Upcoming events and programs hosted by OCSA members.
Are you an OCSA Member who would like to promote an event or program in our next issue? E-mail a link and one-sentence description to bulletin@ocsa.on.ca.
|
|
OCSA MEMBERS GET MORE
Did you know that OCSA member organizations have access to a wide variety of benefits and perks? They also receive an exclusive Members Update newsletter which contains detailed updates and policy analysis on changes to our sector.
Not a member yet? Get in touch to learn more.
|
|
|
MARCH FOR MEALS 2016
Many of OCSA's Meals on Wheels providers will participating in #MarchforMeals next month! Working collaboratively, we can effectively strengthen our individual efforts to increase awareness and community engagement in supporting our neighbors in need.
The 2016 Community Champions Week will be celebrated between Monday, March 21 and Friday, March 25. During this time, programs are encouarged to invite your local mayor, other elected officials, local celebrities and other prominent community figures to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels.
OCSA members can find resources to support their efforts on our Members Only website.
|
|
QUALITY ADVANTAGE PROJECT
OCSA is pleased to be working with Health Quality Ontario to support quality improvement in the community support sector. We are working with the Waterloo-Wellington Community Support Services Network and the Champlain Community Support Network to establish peer learning circles, deliver our QI Learning Collaborative, and build leadership capability in the sector.
To learn about the project and view our new "Quality Improvement 101" video, click below.
|
|
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Quick links from around the sector.
|
|
JOB LISTINGS
Job postings from OCSA member organizations.
OCSA is pleased to advertise job opportunities on behalf of our members. To be included in our next issue, please e-mail a link to the posting, job location, and application deadline to bulletin@ocsa.on.ca.
Please submit at least 4 weeks before applications close.
|
|
SAVE THE DATE - OCSA CONFERENCE "PREPARE, ADAPT, THRIVE!"
OCTOBER 18 & 19, 2016
Our 2015 conference was our most successful yet - and we're using your feedback to make this year even better. In 2016, we will focus on what home care and CSS providers need to do to prepare for, adapt to, and thrive within a changing health care environment. Delegates will walk away with the information, tools, and connections they need to make transformation work for their organizations, and their clients.
Early Bird registration will open soon, and our call for abstracts is on the way. Keep an eye on www.ocsaconference.com for the latest updates.
|
|
|
|
|
