A program connecting outpatients with virtual care is expanding and moving locations.
Starting on June 10, the outpatient Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) program is moving from Timmins and District Hospital to the Timmins Academic Family Health Team (TAFHT).
It is open to all people, not just patients at the family health team. Inpatient OTN support and the outpatient mental health, stroke and pre-admission clinic are staying at the hospital.
The move means adding one full-time registered practical nurse (RPN) to the existing RPN.
“This expanded access to OTN services means patients will have quicker access to specialist telemedicine appointments as close to home as possible," said Kte Fyfe, TADH president and CEO and TAFHT chair, in a news release.
The organizations say the change means more patients can be seen and wait times will reduced.
“This expansion represents an important step forward in our efforts to improve healthcare delivery in our community. Through services like OTN, we can connect patients with the specialized care they require, as close to home as possible. We’re excited to offer this service to all residents of Timmins and district," said Mélanie Ciccone, TAFHT executive director.
Patients who have an appointment through outpatient OTN after June 10 who haven't received a call about the move, should reach out to the family health team.
It is located at 123 Third Ave. in downtown Timmins. It can be reached by phone at 705-267-1993 or fax 705-267-1796.
