The Hanover Family Health Team is coming along quite nicely.
Executive Director David Ford is very pleased with the progress of the Family Health Team.
He says things are developing quite rapidly, noting the Health Team’s first professional has been hired, Psychology Counsellor Linda Zartytski.
Ford says there are a lot of irons in the fire as the Health Team develops over the next few months.
He expects to have a social worker in place by October followed by a nurse practitioner, a Registered Nurse, and a clerical staff member.
It’s going to take anywhere between 3 and 12 months to get the entire team and programs in place.
The 12 member Team will include a Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, Social Worker, Addictions Counsellor, Chiropodist/Podiatrist, Dietitian, Psychology Counsellor, Pharmacist, Occupational Therapist, an Administrator and two Clerical Staff members.
Ford says the goal of the Family Health Team is to enhance local primary health care by filling in the service gaps and meeting the needs of the community.
Specialized programs will be offered through the Family Health Team including chronic disease management in the areas of diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular and asthma as well as mental health and addition, antenatal care and seniors’ health.
The Family Health Team will be setting up shop in the Hanover and District Hospital on the second floor.
Renovations are currently underway.
Ford says this is an exciting time for the medical community, noting it was the local doctors who initiated the process and who have worked hard to bring it together.
Ford says the new Family Health Team is all about patient-centred care, respect, compassion, support and accountability.
